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 hospital following the horror incident last week, before her family announced she had died on Friday.

Holly's passing 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.

Holly's dad Shaun told Nine News on Friday: "It is with broken hearts, and we are so sad to say that our beautiful girl Holly is now at peace.

"We find comfort and solace in knowing that Holly bought so much joy and happiness to so many people."

They added: "Holly was living her best life travelling through South East Asia, meeting new friends and enjoying incredible experiences.

"As her parents we were always so incredibly proud of everything Holly did.

"Holly was an amazing big sister to James and she always looked out for him."

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."

It comes as local police told AP today that a number of staff at the Nana Backpacker Hostel - where some of the dead tourists were staying - had been detained for questioning.

An unnamed tourism police officer said no charges had been filed - with staff later confirming the owner and manager were taken in.

Although still operating, the venue is not accepting any new guests.

Police have not yet named those detained for questioning or given an official comment on the development.

At least some of the holidaymakers affected by the incident are thought to have been staying at the hostel - where they were reportedly offered free shots.

The venue told ABC that any tainted drinks were not served at its bar.

British woman Simone White, 28, two unnamed Danish women in their twenties and an American man have also died.

Around 12 other people, including Brits, are believed to have been left seriously unwell.

Thai police said on Friday of Bianca: "She was unconscious ever since she was picked up from Laos and never regained consciousness from then, even as she had received medical care.

"The cause of death is likely from the consumption of methanol from fake liquor.

"It's poison and cannot be consumed."