The owner of a new age health business who organized a retreat where a woman died has been criticized for her role in the tragedy.
Soul Barn owner and founder Michelle Mullins issued a statement on Wednesday to refute speculation that she had been running the clinic when Rachael Dixon, 53, fell ill and died at the site in Clunes, Victoria, at 12am. Sunday.
The statement, which was posted on social media, has since been bombarded with comments criticizing it.
“I guess that’s the risk of renting your premises, your reputation,” one person posted.
Soul Barn owner and founder Michelle Mullins has come under fire after expressing her heartbreak over the death of Rachael Dixon.
Rachael Dixon died during a retreat at Soul Barn in Clunes (pictured)
“Unfortunately, it is still your responsibility to hire your professionals if it is your business.”
Mullins issued the statement Wednesday afternoon, describing his devastation over the tragedy under the roof of his store.
“There are no words to express the deep pain and shock we feel here at Soul following the tragic incident that occurred on April 13,” their statement read.
‘The event that took place on April 13 was a private event and those who facilitated it do not work for or represent Soul Barn in any way.
“None of our usual therapists, staff or facilitators were present at any time during this event.”
Ms Dixon became seriously ill and later died of a suspected heart attack after allegedly drinking a mushroom tonic at Soul Barn.
It is publicly unknown which of Soul Barn’s customers actually led the retreat.
WhatsNew2Day Australia does not suggest Ms Mullins had anything to do with the tragic Soul Barn-related death.
One of many mushroom books on sale at Soul Barn in Clunes
Rachael Dixon died amid speculation she consumed a drink containing magic mushrooms while on a health retreat at Clunes’ Soul Barn.
Rachael Dixon’s son paid tribute to his mother on social media following her tragic death
Mullins said she and her staff were traumatized by what had happened at their business.
“We share the shock and devastation of everyone involved and our hearts go out to the families affected,” it said.
“We have no further information to share and ask that you respect the privacy of our small community.”
Soul Barn’s social media pages provided online trolls with plenty of ammunition, with many noting that the facility had previously been used by hosts passionate about new age medicines, including magic mushrooms.
The store itself has previously promoted books with titles such as ‘Mushroom Magic’, ‘The Green Witch’s Garden Diary’ and ‘Mushroom Spirit Oracle’.
While Mullins has refused to respond to online criticism, her fans have supported her.
“Sorry for what you’re going through, so many misinformed problems clowning around, I would gladly attend your retreat, hang in there,” wrote one follower.
‘Sending love Shell. You are an incredible and very strong woman. I wish you much love as you navigate this difficult time. You are in my thoughts,” commented another.
A health retreat similar to the one shown here is believed to have operated at Soul Barn on the day Rachael Dixon died.
Another book for sale at Soul Barn
This statement from Soul Barn resulted in a storm of hate directed at its owner.
The investigation into Dixon’s death remains ongoing and a Victoria Police spokesperson told WhatsNew2Day Australia on Thursday they are still awaiting autopsy results.
Tributes continued to flow for Ms Dixon on Thursday.
‘Rach was an independent woman, capable of anything and always happy to show off her home projects; terrace, barbecue area, Richards wooden shed and garden renovation. She was enjoying making chili sauce,” a former co-worker posted online.
‘(She) was a strong and assertive woman, who embraced her gray, newfound wisdom. She was an integral part of our team.
‘She was enjoying her new role and was going to make a difference.
‘We were finally a complete team. I’m sad that he’s gone, suddenly and without a chance to say goodbye.’
Police are understood to be concerned Ms Dixon may have consumed magic mushrooms before her death.
Two other people hospitalized after the Soul Barn incident were released Tuesday.
Psilocybin mushrooms are ready for harvest (file image)
Clunes was best known as the location where many great Australian films were filmed before several tragedies occurred.
Just two weeks before Ms Dixon’s death, Victoria’s Department of Health had also warned that the incredibly poisonous deadly layer and yellow fungi had begun to appear across the state.
He advised that “consuming just one mushroom (from the death cap) can kill an adult,” while mushrooms that turn yellow appear “very similar to commonly purchased mushrooms.”
“Anyone who collects and consumes wild mushrooms of unknown species risks possible poisoning and serious illness,” he said.
“Cooking, peeling or drying these mushrooms does not remove or deactivate the poison.”
Dixon’s death came a year after another high-profile incident of mushroom poisoning 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 is accused of serving her ex-husband’s relatives a Beef Wellington loaded with toxic mushrooms.