A woman has died and two others were rushed to hospital after allegedly consuming a drink containing “fed” ingredients at an “alternative health” retreat.
Rachael Dixon, 53, attended the Soul Barn creative wellbeing center in Clunes, near Ballarat, on Saturday evening with two friends.
Ms Dixon became seriously ill after crushing mushrooms and consuming them in a drink.
An ambulance was called after reports she was in cardiac arrest and not breathing. She died at the scene shortly after midnight.
His two friends were also rushed to hospital for observation and were released on Tuesday.
Police are expected to investigate whether the drink contained “magic” mushrooms, which contain the hallucinogenic chemical psilocybin, the Herald Sun reported.
The woman who tragically died after allegedly consuming a mushroom drink at a wellness retreat on Saturday night has been identified as her 53-year-old mother, Rachael Dixon (pictured).
She was attending an event at Soul Barn, an alternative health center in Clunes (pictured), which featured ‘foraged wild plants’.
Ms Dixon’s son Matthew paid tribute to his mother on social media on Sunday, writing: ‘To the most loving and caring person I have ever known, I cannot thank you enough for everything what you did for me and all the support you gave me’.
“Words can’t begin to describe how much I’m going to miss you, I wish I could give you one last hug.”
Detectives from the Moorabool Criminal Investigation Unit are investigating the mother’s death and are expected to question those present at the retreat at the time.
Investigators are also looking into whether a mushroom drink is responsible, but are not ruling out other potentially toxic substances.
There is nothing to suggest that the poisoning was intentional.
The Soul Barn Facebook page describes the center as an “alternative and holistic health service” and was used to organize the skincare event.
“(The specialist) weaves ancient skincare rituals and combines them with modern techniques to create nourishing yet active facials,” it was announced.
“Using infused botanical oils sourced from local farms and wild foraged plants, along with artisanal skincare products from around the world, specially chosen for their potency and purity…It’s a facial like no other , which you will never forget! »
A message posted Sunday offered the company’s “deepest condolences” while stating that a “sound healing” session that day would be canceled and those who had booked would be refunded.
Ms Dixon’s son Matthew paid tribute to his mother on social media on Sunday
Police are expected to investigate whether the drink contained “magic” mushrooms, a hallucinogen, but do not rule out the presence of other toxic substances (photo, Soul Barn)
Her son, Matthew, remembers Mrs Dixon (pictured) as the ‘most caring person’.
Soul Barn remained closed Tuesday as local business owners and residents said the incident was “conflicting” and “devastating.”
Daily Mail Australia has contacted Soul Barn owner Michelle Mullins for comment.
Daily Mail Australia is not suggesting that Ms Mullins or anyone associated with her business intentionally poisoned people.
A Victoria Police spokeswoman told Daily Mail Australia that detectives from her MDetectives from the ooracool Criminal Investigation Unit were investigating the death.
“It is believed a woman was at a retreat on Fraser Street when she became ill after ingesting a drink around midday,” she said in a statement.
“Investigations are continuing and police will prepare a report for the coroner.”
The state’s Department of Health issued a warning just two weeks before Ms Dixon’s death that poisonous death caps and yellowing fungi were growing across Victoria.
The department warned that “consumption of a single mushroom (deadly cap) can kill an adult.”
Although not as deadly, yellowing mushrooms appear “very similar to regularly purchased mushrooms” and are a safe species for consumption.
“Anyone who collects and consumes wild mushrooms of unknown species is at risk of poisoning and serious illness,” the warning states.
“Cooking, peeling, or drying these mushrooms does not remove or inactivate the poison.”
Michelle Mullins, owner of Soul Barn
Clunes has been the scene of two tragedies in the past month
Soul Barn is an “alternative and holistic health services” company
Ms Mullins opened up about her dream business in an Instagram post earlier this year.
“My dream for Soul Barn is for it to be a space where people can connect on many levels. Host inspiring workshops and retreats that will connect you to your own passions, allow you to explore new skills and encourage you to express yourself authentically. Bringing like-minded people together and creating community in the small town of Clunes,” she wrote.
“As many of you know, sound healing is my passion. With over 15 years of experience, I have delivered retreats, workshops and facilitator training in Australia and overseas, with a focus on vibrational healing.
“I like to create layered soundscapes using percussion to reproduce the sounds of nature. Combining Tibetan bowls with chimes and a drum to create a unique and healing space that allows people to immerse themselves in deep meditation.
Ms. Mullins described herself as a “creative entrepreneur, a changemaker with great vision and a rebellious side.”
“I love to challenge convention and am committed to living my soul’s purpose – and helping others live theirs,” she wrote.
“I care deeply about the success of others and love helping individuals achieve their goals and dreams. We cannot succeed in life and in our careers in isolation and competitiveness. It is in connection, support, education and mentoring that I can connect with my gifts and help others connect with theirs.
Erin Patterson charged with murder over another suspected mushroom poisoning
Clunes as he appears in the 1979 film Mad Max
Clunes as it appears today
The death came a year after another high-profile mushroom poisoning incident in Victoria.
Erin Patterson from Leongatha, in the Gippsland region of eastern Victoria, was charged with three counts of murder and five counts of attempted murder in November.
She had served the deceased a beef Wellington dish containing toxic mushrooms.
Until now, Clunes was best known as the town used as the backdrop for the Australian classic Mad Max – a historical sci-fi film depicting ruthless bikers taking on a young Mel Gibson.
Its historic main street has hosted many television and film productions, with its former bank building appearing in Ned Kelly with Heath Ledger.
Police have asked anyone with information about the latest incident of contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or submit a confidential report online at www.crimestoppersvic.com.au
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