Hundreds of mourners, dressed in all the colors of the rainbow, have gathered to celebrate the life of Laos poisoning victim Bianca Jones.
Mrs 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 Thailand’s capital.
The 19-year-olds from Beaumaris in Melbourne’s south-east had been on holiday in Laos and were among six foreigners killed in a suspected mass methanol poisoning in the popular tourist town of Vang Vieng.
A funeral service for Ms Jones was held at her former school Mentone Girl’s Grammar in Melbourne’s south-east on Friday.
Guests were asked to wear bright, spring colors and give something to a GoFundMe fundraiser instead of flowers.
Mrs Jones’ family said they hoped to spend ‘the most important day’ of their lives saying goodbye and grieving their beautiful daughter.
“Bianca was a private young woman, with a great network, but she was not a celebrity,” they said in a statement.
‘It is our wish that Bianca will be said goodbye in a way that reflects her life.’
Hundreds of mourners, dressed in colorful clothing, have gathered to celebrate the life of Laos poisoning victim Bianca Jones (pictured)
Bianca Jones’ father Mark is seen with his daughter’s coffin covered in pink roses. Holly Bowles’ father is seen behind him
A funeral service for Ms Jones was held on Friday at her former school Mentone Girl’s Grammar in Melbourne’s south-east (pictured: mourners arrive)
Pictured: Tearful friends and family of Mrs Jones hugged outside the school gates before saying their final goodbyes to the beloved 19-year-old
They added: ‘The immense love shown by so many is a testament to the profound impact she had, reflected in the magnitude of today’s farewell.
“We remain committed to ensuring that the awareness of Bianca, Holly and others affected internationally by this tragic story continues.
“Their legacies are far too important to be forgotten and the lives of our children are too important not to be protected.”
Tearful young mourners could be seen walking into the school’s auditorium, where later the sounds of hymns and the song Ave Maria could be heard.
Attorney General Mark Dreyfus attended the service and was pictured carrying a large bouquet of flowers on his way inside.
Those present wore red ribbons over their hearts, which were made by the students earlier this week.
It was estimated that more than 1,000 people were present.
Ms Jones and Ms Bowles did not leave their dormitory at the Nana Backpacker Hostel 24 hours after going to Jaidee Bar and reported feeling unwell on November 13 before being rushed to hospitals in Bangkok.
Mrs 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 by her side in a Bangkok hospital on November 21, while her best friend Holly Bowles died a day later in another hospital in Thailand’s capital (the best friends are pictured with Mrs Jones on the left)
Heartbroken friends are seen hugging during Friday’s emotional service
Attorney General Mark Dreyfus was pictured with a large bouquet of flowers (photo)
Guests were asked to wear bright, spring colors
It was estimated that more than 1,000 people were present
Those present wore red ribbons over their hearts, made by students earlier this week
Thai authorities have confirmed that Ms Jones died of ‘brain swelling due to high levels of methanol 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 or a British woman who also died from suspected methanol poisoning.
The arrested men were identified as hotel staff and management.
The Australian Federal Police has offered to assist with the investigation in Laos. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said the government has made it clear to officials that they expect a thorough and transparent investigation.
The fundraiser to help the teens’ families ease their financial burdens has raised more than $405,000, prompting them to expand efforts to fund education campaigns and raise awareness about methanol poisoning.
A funeral service will be held for Mrs. Bowles on Monday.