Aussie backpacker, 19, dies after drinking ‘free shots spiked with methanol’ in Laos as she becomes SIXTH victim

AUSTRALIAN teen Holly Bowles has become the sixth tourist to die following a suspected group methanol poisoning in Laos, South East Asia.

The 19-year-old was fighting for her life in Bangkok hospital following the horror incident last week, before her family announced she had died on Friday.

a woman in a floral top is holding a glass of wine
Holly Bowles, 19, is the latest tourist to die following the Laos horror

Holly’s death means six holidaymakers in total have died since drinking free shots in tourist hotspot Van Vieng last week.

She had been travelling with “best friend” Bianca Jones, also 19, who died the day before her.

Cops have opened an investigation into the tragic deaths – with reports and testimonies online from fellow tourists suggesting those affected had consumed drinks laced with methanol.

Thai police spoke to Reuters after Bianca’s passing yesterday – confirming that she died from “methanol poisoning”.

An official said: “The physician who examined her said the cause of death was a methanol poisoning, from fake liquor.

“The amount of methanol in her body was high, leading to swelling of the brain.”

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