Parents turn daughter's methanol death into warning for young drinkers
Bianca Jones died at age 19 from methanol poisoning in Laos. Her parents now visit schools to warn teenagers about tainted spirits.
Mark and Michelle's daughter Bianca died from methanol poisoning while travelling in Laos. Bianca and her friend Holly Morton-Bowles were among six people who died after drinking methanol-contaminated spirits at a backpacker hostel in November 2024.
Mark and Michelle did not know about this risk at the time. Now they tell young Australians what to watch for in fake alcohol.
Look for cheap or free shots, copied labels with printing mistakes, and products that seem too good to be true. The couple work with DrinkWise and the government to run awareness campaigns ahead of schoolies trips.
Mark said Bianca would have wanted her death to protect others.
- 19
- Bianca's age
- 6
- Deaths at hostel
- Vang Vieng, Laos
- Location
- November 2024
- Month of deaths
Why it mattersThe deaths of Bianca and Holly put methanol poisoning on the national radar. Most Australians knew nothing about the risk until they died.
AustraliaYoung Australians heading overseas, especially for schoolies, now have clearer advice on spotting counterfeit alcohol and the real dangers it poses.
✓ Claims checked against the source and corrected before publish. checked 2 h ago
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