A second Australian teenager has died after suspected methanol poisoning in Laos, bringing the number of people killed to six.
Two Australians, two Danes, an American, and a Briton have died following a night out in Vang Vieng, a popular backpacker destination in northern Laos.
Holly Bowles, 19, had been in critical condition in Thailand on life support following the poisoning in Laos more than a week ago. In a statement issued on Friday, her family said: “Holly was living her best life travelling through South East Asia meeting new friends and enjoying incredible experiences.
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“We are so sad to say that our beautiful girl Holly is now at peace. We find comfort and solace in knowing Holly brought so much joy and happiness to so many people.”
Bianca Jones, who according to Australian authorities was Ms Bowles’s best friend, died earlier this week after both 19-year-olds fell ill on November 13 following a night out drinking with a group in Vang Vieng, a resort popular with backpackers.
The Laos government statement expressed “importance and attention to the safety of domestic and foreign tourists” and said it has launched an investigation into the incidents and aims to “bring the perpetrators to justice in accordance with the law.”
An officer at Vang Vieng’s Tourism Police office said yesterday a “number of people” had been detained in the case but that no charges have yet been filed. Staff at the Nana Backpacker Hostel, which was still operating but not accepting new guests, confirmed the manager and owner were among those taken in for questioning.
On Friday, the family of British lawyer Simone White, 28, also shared a statement after her shock death. They said: “We are devastated by the loss of our beautiful, kind and loving daughter Simone. Simone was one of a kind and had the most wonderful energy and spark for life. She was a soul who gave so much to so many and was loved by her family, friends and colleagues.
Ms White was a lawyer with global law firm Squire Patton Boggs, whose work involved general commercial matters, and contentious and non-contentious intellectual property law issues, according to the firm’s website. In a statement, the law firm said: “It is with deep sadness we mourn the tragic passing of our dear friend and colleague Simone White.
“Simone was a talented colleague with a bright future ahead of her and someone who epitomised (our firm’s) values. Our thoughts go out to all of Simone’s family, friends and those colleagues and clients who had the privilege to work with and know Simone. She will be sincerely missed.”
Two Danish women in their 20s and a 56-year-old US citizen also died as a result of the mass poisoning.
The U.S. State Department has issued a health alert for citizens travelling in Laos, warning of “suspected methanol poisoning in Vang Vieng, possibly through the consumption of methanol-laced alcoholic drinks.”
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