Danielle Whittaker was partying in a high-rise apartment on the Gold Coast with six close friends on Friday night when she went into cardiac arrest.
A friend of a ‘shamanic healer’ who died of a drug overdose while celebrating her 40th birthday is now also fighting for her life in hospital after taking drugs at the same party.
Danielle Whittaker was partying in a high-rise apartment on the Gold Coast with six close friends on Friday night when she suddenly went into cardiac arrest.
Despite desperate attempts by paramedics, they were unable to revive her, while two of her colleagues were taken to Gold Coast University Hospital, also suffering from an overdose.
One of those women remains in ICU as of Tuesday, while the second has been discharged, Queensland Police Superintendent Peter Miles said.
He said several types of drugs were found in the unit at Meriton Apartments in Surfers Paradise.
“We haven’t received the toxicology results, but what I can say is that there was residue of cannabis, ketamine and some mushroom capsules in the room,” he told reporters.
Ms Whittaker worked in New Age spirituality and was known as a ‘shamanic healer’ on social media.
Emergency crews discovered seven women struggling to breathe inside the Meriton Apartments in Surfers Paradise around 11.30pm on Friday (pictured).
‘We are still not quite sure what caused the actual overdose of those three women.
“One is still in intensive care, the other is fine and obviously there is the lady who passed away.”
He said any drugs the women had taken were “quite potent” and said illicit substances such as cocaine, heroin and GHB were circulating on the Gold Coast.
“I would say the other two women are very lucky to be able to pull through,” Superintendent Miles said.
‘It is a dangerous juggling act that is done when using drugs. You don’t know what’s in it, you don’t know where it comes from.
‘In this case, it turned out to be extremely powerful. “It is a dangerous act, you cannot do it, you do not know what you are taking and you do not know how you are going to react and in this case it has been fatal.”
Ms Whittaker could not be revived after overdosing on Friday night.
Emergency services were called to the unit shortly after 11pm on Friday after reports that a woman was unconscious.
Seven people were inside and the other four were evaluated at the scene.
Police will conduct a toxicology report to identify the drug cocktail used and a report will be prepared for the coroner.
Tributes have since flown for New Zealand-born Ms Whittaker, who had just turned 40 days old before she overdosed.
“The best of friends, loyal, trustworthy, a friend in all seasons, keeper of secrets,” one friend wrote.
‘You were always there for me, for all of us. So full of energy and joy of life.
‘You were Carpe Diem and don’t worry and do it.
‘You broke myths and stood up for the oppressed, you lifted heavy shit, you laughed out loud and you raged against the world, you cooked up a storm and created them.
‘Entrepreneurial, creative, passionate, infinite energy and joy for life.’
One of Ms Whittaker’s friends is currently in intensive care after also suffering an overdose.
The friend said Mrs Whittaker had been “brave and invincible” and that “there would never be another you”.
Another friend said Ms Whittaker was “very loved and missed” and was “absolutely devastated” as the couple were due to celebrate their 40th birthday together.
“You were a force to be reckoned with and had so many incredible plans to help so many people,” he wrote.
‘Kind, brave, sensitive, hilarious, fierce, outspoken, honest (straight!), all those things and so much more – it’s been an incredible journey and I’m so lucky to have met you, let alone called you. You’re a close friend.’
Known as a “shamanic healer” on her social media, Ms. Whittaker proudly worked to “build an army of brave, empowered, soul-driven women who are here to create change and make magic.”
His work revolved around New Age spirituality.