Hundreds of mourners dressed in all the colors of the rainbow have gathered to celebrate the life of Bianca Jones, a poisoning victim in Laos.
Jones died with her devastated family by her side in a Bangkok hospital on November 21, while her best friend Holly Bowles died a day later in another hospital in the Thai capital.
The 19-year-olds from Beaumaris, southeast of Melbourne, were on holiday in Laos and were among six foreigners who died in a suspected mass methanol poisoning in the popular tourist town of Vang Vieng.
A funeral was held for Ms Jones on Friday at her former school, Mentone Girl’s Grammar, in Melbourne’s south-east.
Guests were asked to wear bright spring colors and give GoFundMe Fundraiser instead of flowers.
Jones’ family said they were looking forward to spending “the most important day” of their lives saying goodbye and mourning their beautiful daughter.
“Bianca was a reserved young woman, with a wonderful network, but she was not a celebrity,” they said in a statement.
“It is our hope that Bianca says goodbye in a way that reflects her life.”
Hundreds of mourners dressed in colorful clothing have gathered to celebrate the life of poisoning victim Bianca Jones in Laos (pictured).
Bianca Jones’ father Mark is seen carrying his daughter’s coffin covered in pink roses. Holly Bowles’ father is seen behind him.
A funeral was held for Ms Jones on Friday at her former school, Mentone Girl’s Grammar, in Melbourne’s south-east (pictured: mourners arriving).
Pictured: Tearful friends and family of Mrs Jones hugged outside the school gates before saying a final goodbye to the much-loved 19-year-old.
They added: ‘The immense love shown by so many is a testament to the profound impact she had, reflected in the scale of today’s farewell.
‘We remain committed to ensuring awareness continues for Bianca, Holly and others affected internationally by this tragic story.
“Their legacies are too important to forget and the lives of our children are too important not to protect.”
Young mourners could be seen entering the school auditorium, where later the sound of hymns and the song Ave Maria could be heard.
Attorney General Mark Dreyfus attended the service and was photographed carrying a large bouquet of flowers as he entered.
Attendees wore red heart ribbons, which had been made by school students earlier in the week.
It is estimated that more than 1,000 people attended.
Jones and Bowles did not leave their bedroom at Nana Backpacker Hostel 24 hours after going to Jaidee Bar and reported feeling unwell on November 13, before being rushed to hospitals in Bangkok.
Ms Jones’ heartbroken family said “the immense love shown by so many is a testament to the profound impact she had.”
Mrs Jones died with her devastated family at her side in a Bangkok hospital on November 21, while her best friend Holly Bowles died a day later in another hospital in the Thai capital (the best friends are pictured alongside Mrs. Jones on the left).
Heartbroken friends are seen hugging each other at the emotional service on Friday.
Attorney General Mark Dreyfus was photographed arriving with a large bouquet of flowers (pictured)
Guests were asked to wear bright, spring-like colors.
It is estimated that more than 1,000 people attended.
Attendees wore red heart ribbons made by school students earlier in the week.
Thai authorities have confirmed that Ms Jones died of “brain inflammation due to high levels of methanol found in her system”.
The bodies of both girls were flown back to Australia a week after their deaths.
About eight people have been arrested over the deaths of an American man and two Danish women in Van Vieng, according to local media, but there was no mention of the two Australians and a British woman who also died of suspected methanol poisoning.
The detained men were identified as hotel staff and management.
The Australian Federal Police has offered to assist in the Laos investigation, and Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said the government had made it clear to officials that it expected a thorough and transparent investigation.
Fundraising to help the teens’ families ease their financial burdens has raised more than $405,000, prompting them to expand their efforts to fund educational campaigns and raise awareness about methanol poisoning.
A funeral will be held for Mrs. Bowles on Monday.