Holly Bowles dies in fatal Laos methanol poisoning

Holly Bowles dies in fatal Laos methanol poisoning

Fatal Laos methanol poisoning death of Holly Bowles – Obituary

Holly Bowles, a 19-year-old Australian teenager, passed away late last month after suffering from suspected methanol poisoning while on a holiday in Laos. Her best friend, Bianca Jones, also 19, tragically died a day earlier under similar circumstances.

Hundreds of mourners gathered at Beaumaris Secondary College to bid farewell to Holly during a heartfelt memorial service on Monday. Her parents, Shaun and Samantha, along with her brother James, expressed their gratitude for the overwhelming support they had received. Speaking through Assistant Principal Peter Bartlett, the family shared that the kindness of others had provided comfort during their grief.

Holly was remembered as a vibrant and beloved young woman who brought immense joy to those around her. Known for her love of music, her service included performances of songs such as Abba’s “Mamma Mia” and Billie Eilish’s “Chihiro.”

Both Holly and Bianca fell ill after reportedly consuming methanol-tainted alcohol while staying at the Nana Backpackers Hostel in Vang Vieng. The pair were taken to hospitals in Bangkok but succumbed to the effects of methanol poisoning. Holly’s death marked the sixth reported fatality linked to the tainted drinks at the hostel.

Authorities in Laos have detained several staff members and managers of the hostel as investigations continue. Australian officials, including the Australian Federal Police, have offered assistance to ensure a thorough inquiry into the tragedy.

A GoFundMe campaign established in memory of Holly and Bianca has raised over $413,000 toward raising awareness about the dangers of methanol poisoning. The families of the young women remain committed to preserving their legacies and advocating for safety measures to prevent similar tragedies in the future.