A woman died and two others were rushed to hospital after allegedly consuming a drink with “foraging” ingredients during an “alternative health” retreat.
Rachael Dixon, 53, attended the Soul Barn Creative Wellbeing Center in Clunes, near Ballarat, on Saturday night with two friends.
Ms Dixon became seriously ill after she is believed to have crushed mushrooms and consumed them in a drink.
An ambulance was called after it was reported that he was in cardiac arrest and not breathing. He died at the scene shortly after 12 o’clock in the morning.
Her two friends were also rushed to the hospital for observation and released on Tuesday.
Police are expected to investigate whether the drink contained “magic” mushrooms, which contain the hallucinogenic chemical psilocybin, the Herald of the sun reported.
The woman who tragically died after allegedly consuming a mushroom drink at a wellness retreat on Saturday night has been identified as 53-year-old mother Rachael Dixon (pictured).
She was attending an event at Soul Barn, an alternative health center in Clunes (pictured), which featured “wild foraged plants”.
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 met, I can’t thank you enough for everything you did for me and all the support.” . gave me’.
“There are no words to describe how much I will miss you, I wish I could give you one last hug.”
Detectives from the Moorabool Crime Investigation Unit are investigating the mother’s death and will interview those who were at the retreat at the time.
Researchers are also investigating whether a mushroom-based drink was responsible, but have not ruled out other potentially toxic substances.
There is no indication that the poisoning was intentional.
Soul Barn’s Facebook page describes the center as an “Alternative and Holistic Health Service” and was used to host the skincare event.
“(The specialist) weaves ancient skincare rituals and combines them with modern techniques to create nourishing yet active facial treatments,” it was 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!’
A post on Sunday extended the company’s “deepest condolences” and stated that a “healthy healing” session that day would be canceled and refunds would be given to those who booked.
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 other toxic substances (pictured, Soul Barn).
Mrs Dixon (pictured) was remembered as the “most loving person” by her son, Matthew.
Soul Barn remained closed Tuesday as business owners and local residents said the incident was “confronting” and “devastating.”
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.
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 state Department of Health issued a warning just two weeks before Ms Dixon’s death that yellow, poisonous mushrooms were growing in Victoria.
The department warned that “consuming just one (death cape) mushroom can kill an adult.”
While not as deadly, yellow-tinged mushrooms appear “very similar to commonly purchased mushrooms” and are safe species to eat.
“Anyone who collects and consumes wild mushrooms of unknown species risks possible poisoning and serious illness,” the warning reads.
“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 last month
Soul Barn is an ‘alternative and holistic health services’ company
Mullins talked about his 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 link you to your own passions, allow you to explore new skills, and encourage you to express yourself authentically. Bringing together like-minded people and creating a community in the small town of Clunes,” she wrote.
‘As many of you will know, Sound Healing is my passion. With over 15 years of experience, I have led retreats, workshops and facilitator trainings both in Australia and internationally with a focus on vibrational healing.
‘I love creating layered soundscapes using percussion to replicate nature sounds. Combining singing bowls with bells and drums to create a unique, healing space that allows people to immerse themselves in deep meditation.
Mrs Mullins described herself as a ‘“Creative entrepreneur, a change-maker with great vision and a rebellious streak.”
“I love to challenge convention and am driven to live my soul’s purpose and help others live theirs,” she wrote.
‘I care deeply about the success of others and love helping people achieve their goals and dreams. We cannot be successful in life and in our careers if we are isolated and competitive; It is through connection, support, care and mentoring that I can connect with my gifts and help others connect with their own.’
Erin Patterson has been charged with murder for another alleged mushroom poisoning
Clunes as he appeared in the 1979 film Mad Max.
Clunes as it appears today
The 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.
He had served the deceased a dish of Beef Wellington containing toxic mushrooms.
Until now, Clunes had been best known as the town used as the backdrop for the Australian classic Mad Max, a historical sci-fi film that sees ruthless bikers taking on a young Mel Gibson.
Its historic main street has hosted numerous film and television productions, and its former bank building appears in Ned Kelly with Heath Ledger.
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