A Heartbreaking Loss in Laos
Holly Morton-Bowles, a vibrant and adventurous 19-year-old from Melbourne, tragically lost her life in a suspected mass drink-spiking incident in Laos.
The incident, which also claimed the life of her best friend Bianca Jones, sent shockwaves throughout the community.
*A Memorial Service Like No Other
Over 1,000 mourners gathered at Beaumaris Secondary College in Melbourne’s southeast to pay tribute to Holly’s life. The atmosphere was somber yet uplifting, as friends and family wore bright colors and pink and white ribbons to honor Holly’s favorite color. The school’s flags were lowered to half-mast as a sign of respect, and soft music played in the background.
A Celebration of Life
The memorial service was a beautiful celebration of Holly’s life, with photos and upbeat music filling the school’s gymnasium. The playlist featured a range of artists, including ABBA, Billie Eilish, Spacey Jane, and Mason and Princes Superstar, reflecting Holly’s vibrant and joyful spirit.
An Outpouring of Love and Support
The community came together to support Holly’s family, with hundreds of tributes pouring in for the “vibrant” and “adventurous” teenager. A GoFundMe page was launched to support the families of the victims, with over $414,000 raised so far. The funds will provide financial relief to the families and support awareness of methanol poisoning and safety initiatives for travelers.
Remembering Holly and Bianca
Holly’s memorial card featured two photos of her, one cuddling a kitten and another softly smiling at a cafe. The card also included lyrics to the Teenage Dads song, Sunburnt. The memorial service was a poignant reminder of the importance of cherishing life and celebrating the memories of those we love.
A Final Goodbye
As the procession came to a close, Billie Eilish’s “L’Amour De Ma Vie” filled the gymnasium, a heartbreaking yet uplifting composition of love and loss. The pallbearers slowly carried Holly’s casket, adorned with flowers, from the gym to the hearse, as mourners wiped away tears and hugged each other outside.