Australian teenager Bianca Jones has died in a Thai hospital after suffering from suspected methanol poisoning while on a backpacking holiday in Laos.
The 19-year-old Melburnian and her friend Holly Bowles became critically ill after consuming drinks suspected to be tainted with methanol in the popular tourist town of Vang Vieng last week.
Jones' family confirmed her death in a statement to the Herald Sun on Thursday afternoon.
"It is with the heaviest of hearts that we share the news that our beloved daughter and sister, Bianca Jones, has passed away," they said.
"She was surrounded by love, and we are comforted by the knowledge that her incredible spirit touched so many lives during her time with us."
The family expressed gratitude for the support they received from across Australia in the wake of the tragedy.
Bowles, who is also from Beaumaris in Melbourne's south-east, remains on life support at a separate hospital in Bangkok.
The two friends had planned to stay at the Nana Backpacker Hostel in Vang Vieng and drank at the venue before reportedly going to a bar on 11 November.
They did not leave their dorm room for 24 hours and reported feeling unwell on 13 November.
Hostel manager Duong Duc Toan said the Australian women had joined more than 100 other guests for free shots of Lao vodka offered by the hostel as a gesture of hospitality, the Associated Press reported.
An American and two Danish tourists have also reportedly died after drinking the substance, and at least a dozen other people have been hospitalised.
'Every parent's worst fear'
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese is among those to pay tribute to Jones, describing her death as a "terrible and cruel loss".
"This is every parent's worst fear and a nightmare no-one should have to endure," he said during Question Time in parliament on Thursday.
"All Australians offered them our deepest sympathy in this time of heartbreak. Bianca's trip should have been a joyous time and a source of fond memories in years to come — memories she should have carried with her to a long, bright future that lay ahead of her.
"It is beyond sad that this was not to be."
The Beaumaris Football Club paid tribute to Holly Bowles and Bianca Jones, describing them as "cherished and highly respected members of the Beaumaris Sharks family". Source: Facebook / Beaumaris Football Club
"To the families of these two young Aussie girls who just headed off on an adventure together, I know that so many members of our community are connected to these girls, to these families," she said.
"I feel your grief. Our hearts are broken."
Opposition leader Peter Dutton also offered his condolences, describing the incident as "shocking" and "unimaginable".
"It is one of those circumstances that you can never provide for, can never be prevented," he said.
Goldstein MP Zoe Daniel said her community's hearts were "broken". Source: AAP / Mick Tsikas
'Please inform yourselves'
Foreign Minister Penny Wong urged Australians to be aware of the potential dangers of drinking alcohol in some tourist hotspots.
"Drink spiking and methanol poisoning are far too common in many parts of the world," she said.
"I would say to parents, to young people, please have a conversation about risks.
"Please inform yourselves. Please, let's work together to ensure this tragedy doesn't happen again."
With reporting by the Australian Associated Press
