An American citizen has died at a popular adventure spot in Laos, where methanol-tainted alcohol has been blamed for a string of recent poisonings.

The State Department said the US citizen died in the town of Wang Vieng, popular with backpackers, north of the South East Asian country’s capital. “We offer our sincere condolences to the family for their loss,” a spokesperson told NBC News on Thursday.

Out of respect for the family, they did not disclose the identity of the victim or the cause of death.

His comments came as Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese paid tribute to 19-year-old Bianca Jones and her friend Holly Bowles, also 19, who died in Thailand after being evacuated from Wang Vieng for treatment.

“Our thoughts at this time are with his family and friends who have suffered a terrible and cruel loss,” Albanese said in his address to the Australian parliament. “This is every parent’s worst fear and a nightmare no one should have to endure.”

He added that Bowles was “fighting for his life.”

Thai officials confirmed to The Associated Press that Jones died of “brain swelling due to high levels of methanol in his system.”

Denmark’s foreign ministry said on Thursday that two of its citizens had died in Laos. There was no comment when asked whether they died of methanol poisoning, citing confidentiality.

New Zealand’s foreign ministry also said Thailand’s embassy in Bangkok, which also governs Laos, had been contacted by one of its citizens “who was unwell and may have been a victim of methanol poisoning in Laos.”

A spokesman for Britain’s foreign office told NBC News in a statement, without elaborating further, that Britain was providing consular assistance to its citizens and their families “following an incident in Laos.”

It came after England made a statement travel warning for Laos on Wednesday. “You should be careful, especially if it is offered for free or when purchasing alcoholic beverages. “If the label, smell or taste looks wrong, do not drink it.”

Authorities in Laos, one of Southeast Asia’s poorest countries, have long warned foreign travelers about spoiled drinks in nightclubs and bars.

Many travelers in the past have died from methanol poisoning after consuming drinks laced with the liquid used by unscrupulous bar owners to bulk up.

Reports of the mass poisoning in Vang Vieng began to emerge last week after Jones and Bowles fell ill following a night of drinking with a group in the remote town on November 13.

The teenagers were staying at the Nana Backpacker hostel, one of the most popular hostels in the area. Here, manager Duong Duc Toan told the AP that the young people were feeling unwell because they could not debut on their planned Nov. 13 date. He arranged for the duo to travel to the hospital.

The hostel offered free Lao vodka as a gesture of hospitality to about 100 guests, including two young people, the official said, adding that no other guests reported any problems. Bowles and Jones then went out and returned early that morning.

Jones remained in critical condition for several days after being evacuated to Thailand, where his parents had flown from Australia.

Australian foreign minister Penny Wong expressed sadness at the tragedy in a speech. Statement from Instagram“I urge parents and young people to please talk about the risks.”

Australia And New Zealand The updated travel warning for Laos advises citizens to be careful when consuming alcoholic beverages.

The State Department did not pursue the case.

This article was first published on: NBCNews.com