Contiki is not commenting on reports that a young Australian woman, who died on its Italian camping tour, had taken drugs and alcohol before her death.
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Madelaine Crawley, 23, from NSW, was on a Contiki Australia tour when she passed away after falling ill in Rome yesterday morning (local time), the travel operator said in a statement.
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A Contiki Australia spokeswoman said the company would not comment on why Ms Crawley died until Italian investigations into her death were completed and the cause of death was known.
Italian daily Il Tempo reported that Ms Crawley was found lying on the bathroom floor of the bungalow in the Seven Hills campsite where she was staying.
She was taken to Villa San Pietro hospital in a critical condition.
The newspaper said she might have died from an overdose after consuming drugs and alcohol.
Contiki Australia said Ms Crawley's family had been notified.
"The entire Contiki team is deeply saddened and our thoughts and heartfelt sympathies are with Madelaine's family and friends, all of whom are being fully supported at this incredibly difficult time," the statement said.
Another NSW woman, 29, who was not named, was also admitted to hospital and recovering after treatment, a spokeswoman for the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade said.
The spokeswoman said consular support was being provided to the woman and both families.
The manager of the campsite said there were no drug parties at his camp.
"I'm sorry for the misfortune that struck the girl and her family, but no drug party has ever been done in our camp," Toni Altobelli told Il Tempo.
Mr Altobelli said the nightclub at the camp had closed at 1am and the women left for their accommodation.
He added that, in 40 years, "never anything like this has happened in this camp".
"It could be a simple accident or, if perhaps they had taken drugs, the autopsy will tell."
Contiki said it had co-operated with the Italian authorities and the tour continued to Venice yesterday afternoon.
