December 9th 2024.
The loss of 19-year-old Holly Morton-Bowles has left a deep void in the hearts of her loved ones. Today, friends, family, and members of the community gathered at Beaumaris Secondary College to remember and honor her life. Holly and her best friend, Bianca Jones, tragically passed away after drinking contaminated alcohol at a bar in Laos last November.
During the service, Acting Principal Peter Bartlett read a statement on behalf of Holly's parents, Shaun and Samantha, and her brother James. They expressed their gratitude for the overwhelming support and love they have received from people all over the world during this difficult time. The kindness shown by others has been a source of strength and comfort for the family.
Today is a significant day for the Morton-Bowles family as they come together to celebrate Holly's life and the impact she had on those around her. Despite her passing, Holly will forever hold a special place in their hearts. The family also thanked those who helped organize the service and respectfully requested privacy as they grieve on this emotional day.
The tragic deaths of both Holly and Bianca have deeply affected their families. In lieu of flowers, they have asked people to donate to the GoFundMe page set up for the girls. Bianca's funeral was held on Friday at the same school she had graduated from the previous year, Mentone Girl's Grammar. Principal Natalie Charles read a statement from the Jones family, thanking everyone for their outpouring of love and support.
It has been reported that Holly and Bianca consumed free shots at their hostel before going out to other bars on the night they fell ill. The hostel owner denied that the drinks came from his bar. Unfortunately, Holly passed away on November 22, a day after Bianca's death. The tragedy also claimed the lives of four other tourists, including a US man, a British lawyer, and two Danish women. Another Australian fell ill but is now recovering in a stable condition.
The deaths of these young women have caused outrage and concern, with messages of condolences and warnings issued from various countries, including Australia and the United States. It has been revealed that 11 staff members from the hostel have been taken into custody as part of the investigation into the tainted drinks. The source of the contamination is believed to be a dilapidated factory outside Vientiane that produced Tiger Vodka and Tiger Whisky. The factory has been shut down, and the owner has been arrested.
In response to the tragedy, Laos has banned the sale and consumption of Tiger Vodka and Tiger Whisky, and SmartTraveller has advised Australians to avoid these products due to serious safety concerns. Methanol, a clear liquid chemical used in many everyday products, including alcohol, is often illegally added to drinks as a cheaper alternative to ethanol. Even a small amount of methanol can be fatal.
During this difficult time, let us remember and honor the lives of Holly Morton-Bowles and Bianca Jones. Their passing has left a void in the hearts of their loved ones, but their memory will live on forever.
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