The owner of an alternative health clinic claims a private event was taking place at the location when a woman died from suspected mushroom poisoning.
Soul Barn owner and founder Michelle Mullins issued a statement Tuesday to refute speculation that she had been running the clinic where Rachael Dixon fell ill and died.
“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,” the statement read.
Soul Barn owner Michelle Mullins (pictured) previously said she dreamed of Soul Barn being “a space where people could connect on many levels.”
‘Soul Barn rents workshop space to companies and external facilitators. 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.”
Rachael Dixon, 53, became seriously ill and later died of a suspected heart attack after allegedly drinking a mushroom tonic at Soul Barn in Clunes, near Ballarat, in western Victoria, about 12am on Saturday morning. evening.
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.”
The tragedy unfolded after ‘intuitive facialist’ Jude Darmanin was previously scheduled to offer a skincare session using ‘foraged wild plants’ at Soul Barn.
But on Tuesday she also broke her silence to emphasize that she had no role in the heartbreaking death that night.
There is no suggestion that the alleged poisoning was intentional or that Ms Darmanin was part of the events leading to Ms Dixon’s death.
‘Intuitive facialist’ Jude Darmanin (pictured) was scheduled to provide ‘picked up’ skincare at a wellness center on the same day a woman died at the center.
Darmanin said in an online post (pictured) that she was “deeply saddened” by the news of Rachael Dixon’s death.
“(The specialist) weaves ancient skincare rituals and combines them with modern techniques to create nourishing yet active facial treatments,” Soul Barn announced.
‘Using infused herbal oils sourced from local farms and wild plants, plus handmade skincare products from around the world, specially chosen for their potency and purity.
‘This is a facial like no other, one you will never forget!’
On Tuesday night, Darmanin said she was “deeply saddened by the tragic event that occurred at Soul Barn.”
“I don’t know more than what was reported in the news because I wasn’t there,” he said.
He then apologized to clients whose Sunday appointments were canceled and promised to reschedule them soon.
Ms Dixon and two other Soul Barn clients were rushed from the wellness center to hospital after the possible poisoning.
One line of inquiry police will investigate is whether the trio consumed a drink laced with “magic” mushrooms, which contain the hallucinogenic chemical psilocybin.
It is currently mushroom season in South Australia and Clunes, located about 30 kilometers north of Ballarat, is surrounded by forest.
It is often difficult to tell the difference between edible and lethal mushrooms.
Poisonous galerina mushrooms can often be confused with ‘magic’ psilocybin mushrooms, with potentially lethal consequences, and the pair often grow close to each other.
Ms Dixon (pictured) is believed to have died after drinking a poisonous mushroom tonic around midnight on Saturday.
Soul Barn (pictured) remained closed on Tuesday following the death of the 53-year-old mother.
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 inactivate the poison.”
Two other people hospitalized after the Soul Barn incident were released Tuesday.
Dixon’s heartbroken son Matthew shared his grief on Sunday, writing: “To the most loving and caring person I have ever met, I can’t thank you enough for everything you did for me and all the support you gave me.”
“There are no words to describe how much I will miss you, I wish I could give you one last hug.”
It is understood police will also investigate whether other toxic substances were responsible for Ms Dixon’s death.
Soul Barn on Sunday expressed its “deepest condolences” to Ms Dixon’s loved ones and advised that a “soul healing” session be cancelled.
The business remained closed Tuesday, as business owners and local residents said the incident was “confronting” and “devastating.”
Just two weeks ago, Clunes (pictured) was rocked by the death of 23-year-old Hannah McGuire, who was found dead inside a burning car.
WhatsNew2Day Australia has contacted Soul Barn owner Michelle Mullins for comment.
WhatsNew2Day Australia does not suggest that Mullins or anyone associated with his business intentionally poisoned people.
Mullins previously said he dreamed of Soul Barn being “a space where people can connect on many levels.”
“Hosting 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,” she said.
A Victoria Police spokeswoman told WhatsNew2Day Australia that detectives from her MDetectives from the oorabool Crime Investigation Unit were investigating the death.
“It is believed that a woman was at a retreat on Fraser Street when she became ill after having a drink at around 12pm,” he said in a statement.
“Investigations are continuing and police will prepare a report for the coroner.”
The death came a year after another high-profile case 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.
The weekend tragedy was also the second to hit the small town of Clunes in recent weeks following the death of 23-year-old Hannah McGuire.
Ms Dixon and two other Soul Barn customers (pictured) were rushed from the wellness center to hospital after possibly being poisoned.
Ms. McGuire’s body was discovered in a burning car near State Forest Road in Scarsdale.
Her ex-boyfriend, Lachlan Young, is alleged to have killed her and set her body on fire.
Police have asked anyone with information about the latest incident to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or submit a confidential report online at www.crimestoppersvic.com.au