6 Tourists, Including 1 American, Now Reported Dead from Suspected Methanol Poisoning in Laos

Six tourists — including an unnamed American man — have now reportedly died in Laos after drinking alcohol that authorities suspect was tainted with methanol.

On Friday, Nov. 22, the family of 19-year-old Australian, Holly Bowles, released a statement confirming the teenager had died after being on life support in a Bangkok hospital, per the Australian Broadcasting Corporation.

The statement, which was also published by the Associated Press, read: “We are so sad to say that our beautiful girl Holly is now at peace.”

“We find comfort and solace in knowing that Holly brought so much joy and happiness to so many people,” the family added.

An American, a British woman, two Danish tourists and Bowles’ friend, 19-year-old Bianca Jones, have also died in the incident, while multiple people have reportedly been left sick in Vang Vieng; a town popular with backpackers and tourists.

According to the AP, an officer with Vang Vieng’s Tourism Police office — who declined to be named — said on Friday that a “number of people” had been detained in the case but told the outlet that no charges had currently been filed.

The manager and owner of the Nana Backpacker Hostel, where the Australian teenagers who died were staying, were among those taken in for questioning, the news agency stated.

Per the AP, the two Australian teens fell ill on Nov. 13 following a night out. They were taken to the hospital after they failed to check out of their room at the hostel.

The hostel told the Australian Broadcasting Corporation that the potentially harmful drinks they consumed on the night didn’t come from its bar.

A State Department spokesperson confirmed to PEOPLE that a U.S. citizen had died in Vang Vieng, saying: “We offer our sincerest condolences to their family on their loss.”

“We are closely monitoring the situation and providing consular assistance,” the spokesperson added. “On November 21, the U.S. Embassy sent out an alert informing U.S. citizens that we are aware of a number of cases of suspected methanol poisoning in Vang Vieng, possibly through the consumption of methanol-laced alcoholic drinks.”

“We have advised U.S. citizens to please be alert to the potential risk of methanol poisoning, especially when consuming spirit-based alcoholic drinks,” the spokesperson continued.

“Out of respect to the family and loved ones during this difficult time, we have no further comment,” they concluded.

British lawyer, Simone White, also died in the incident, per the BBC. Her law firm, Squire Patton Boggs, paid tribute on Friday via Facebook, writing alongside a photo: “It is with deep sadness that we mourn the tragic passing of our dear friend and colleague Simone White.”

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“Simone was a talented colleague with a bright future ahead of her and someone who epitomized our firm values. Our thoughts go out to all of Simone’s family, friends, and those colleagues and clients who had the privilege to work with and know Simone. She will be sincerely missed,” the post added.

While methanol can be inadvertently produced during the brewing process, The Guardian reported it’s often illegally added to drinks to help increase the alcohol content.

Per the U.S. Centers for Disease Control, methanol is a colorless, watery liquid, and symptoms of methanol poisoning resemble over-consumption of alcohol, like nausea, dizziness, loss of consciousness and vomiting.  

“Fatal cases often present with fast heart rate (tachycardia) or slow heart rate (bradycardia) and an increased rate of respiration. Low blood pressure (hypotension) and respiratory arrest occur when death is imminent,” the CDC said.