The woman at the centre of Australia’s latest mushroom death tragedy was seen enjoying herself with a friend after it was revealed she had hosted the deadly retreat which claimed one life.
Deanne Mathews was seen laughing as she had a morning coffee with a friend, before greeting a client with a warm hug at the front door of her Port Melbourne studio.
Rachael Dixon, a 53-year-old mother from Ringwood North, died of a suspected heart attack after allegedly drinking a mushroom tonic at Soul Barn in Clunes, near Ballarat, western Victoria, on April 13 during a health retreat operated by Ms Mathews.
Ms Mathews, a self-proclaimed “healer, mentor and teacher”, has been operating from premises in Port Melbourne and trendy Chapel Street in Windsor when she was unmasked as the previously anonymous host last week.
Daily Mail Australia spotted Ms Mathews, who appears to speak with an American accent, enjoying herself on Friday and beaming with joy as she went about her day.
Other workers were also seen arriving to work on the Port Melbourne building, located a stone’s throw from Port Phillip Bay.
Dressed in a tan poncho and sporting large hoop earrings, Ms Mathews looked happy and relaxed as she enjoyed her hot drink.
She was later seen listening to music on her headphones as she walked down the street with her sports bag and a bohemian necklace hanging over her poncho.
Deanne Mathews was spotted at a cafe near her premises in Port Melbourne.
Daily Mail Australia contacted Ms Mathews about the tragedy but received no response.
He is known to have known Ms Dixon, who police say died after consuming a suspected magic mushroom drink, for several years before her shocking death.
The retreat, which also saw two other people admitted to hospital for shock, was organised by Ms. Mathews, according to The Herald Sun.
Ms. Dixon had previously attended retreats hosted by Ms. Mathews, which typically cost between $800 and $1,200 and were advertised by word of mouth.
On her website, Ms. Mathews describes herself as a “healer, mentor and teacher” who helps people overcome “grief and trauma” to “transform their lives through a multifaceted approach.”
Once ingested, the mushroom drink is believed to induce a hypnotic-like trance state, allowing the consumer to “go back in time and repair the past.”
Ms Dixon’s autopsy report did not reach a definitive conclusion about the cause of her death.
Rachael Dixon (pictured right) became seriously ill and later died after drinking a drink suspected of containing magic mushrooms at a retreat reportedly organised by Deanne Mathews (pictured left).
Deanne Mathews hugs a friend in Port Melbourne on Friday
Deanne Mathews chats with a friend over a drink in Port Melbourne
Victoria Police said the death was subject to an ongoing investigation.
Ms Mathews’ identity remained a secret while Soul Barn owner and founder Michelle Mullins came under intense media scrutiny following Ms Dixon’s tragic death.
Ms Mullins had issued a statement to refute speculation that she was running the clinic when Ms Dixon fell ill and died.
“There are no words to express the profound pain and shock we feel here at Soul following the tragic incident that occurred on April 13,” the 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 regular therapists, staff or facilitators were present at any time during this event.’
Ms Mullins said she and her staff had been left traumatised by what happened.
“We share the shock and devastation of all involved and our hearts go out to the affected families,” it said.
Deanne Mathews appears to work in some of Melbourne’s wealthiest suburbs
Deanne Mathews goes for a walk in Port Melbourne on Friday
Ms Dixon died after drinking a mushroom tonic at Soul Barn (pictured) in Clunes, near Ballarat in western Victoria.
‘We have no further information to share and ask that you please respect the privacy of our small community.’
Daily Mail Australia previously revealed that Ms Dixon was a healthcare professional who had lived in New Zealand before settling in Melbourne and raising her son.
Ms Dixon’s sister, Penny Muller-Dixon, said: “Words cannot express the pain we are all feeling.”
“Matthew, your New Zealand family loves you, we’ll see you soon. Life is too short, please hug and love those around you,” she posted on social media.
