Sixth Victim Dies After Methanol Poisoning in Laos

A sixth person has died after drinking alcohol contaminated with methanol in Laos, marking a tragic end to a series of incidents involving tainted alcohol.

Holly Bowles, a 19-year-old British tourist, passed away on November 22 in a Bangkok hospital after spending 10 days on life support.

Bowles had fallen critically ill after consuming a shot of alcohol on November 12, during a gap year trip across Southeast Asia with her best friend, Bianca Jones, who also tragically died the day before.

The pair were among several people poisoned by methanol, a substance commonly used as a cheap substitute for ethanol in counterfeit alcohol.

Victims also include British lawyer Simone White, two Danish women, and a 56-year-old American man, all of whom succumbed to the effects of the contaminated shots.

In a statement, Holly Bowles’ family expressed their grief: “It is with broken hearts that we say our beautiful girl Holly is now at peace.

We were always incredibly proud of her and how she cared for her family. We are grateful for the outpouring of love and support worldwide during this heartbreaking time.”

Authorities have detained several individuals, including the owner of a local hostel, after at least 14 people were reported to have fallen critically ill from methanol poisoning.

However, no charges have been filed as of yet. Investigations are ongoing, and officials believe the victims consumed alcohol contaminated with methanol.

Simone White, 28, was backpacking through Laos and staying at Nana Backpacker Hostel when she drank the tainted alcohol. Although she initially showed signs of recovery, White was confirmed dead on November 21.

In a post on a Facebook group for travelers in Laos, White’s friend, Bethany Clarke, warned others about the dangers of consuming local spirits.

“Please avoid all local spirits,” Clarke wrote. “We drank free shots from one of the bars in Vang Vieng, and six of us are now in the hospital with methanol poisoning.”

Bowles and Jones had visited Jaidee’s Bar, a beachfront venue known for offering free shots of alcohol, just hours before being hospitalised. The bar has a controversial reputation, with some locals claiming it has ties to organised crime.

It also features a “drug menu” offering substances such as opium, ecstasy, and ketamine. However, it is unclear whether White had visited the bar.

Penalties for drug-related offenses in Laos are severe, with the death penalty and life sentences handed down to those convicted of drug trafficking. In 2019, several individuals in Laos were sentenced to death for drug offenses.

This series of deaths has raised alarm among travelers and backpackers in the region, highlighting the risks of consuming local alcohol in certain areas.

Authorities continue investigating the source of the methanol contamination and have urged tourists to exercise caution.