Centre speaks out after mushroom death
The alternative health centre where a Melbourne mother died after consuming a drink her family believes contained mushrooms says it is devastated about the “tragic incident”.
Personal trainer Rachael Dixon, 53, went into cardiac arrest and died about midnight on Sunday after consuming the drink at Soul Barn in Clunes, near Ballarat in regional Victoria.
Soul Barn, which is described as a “creative wellbeing centre” specialising in holistic and alternative practices, said in a statement on Thursday it was shocked and devastated by Ms Dixon’s death.
The centre said the event was not run by them or facilitated by any of their staff.
“Soul Barn hires out workshop space to external businesses and facilitators,” the centre said.
“The event which took place on April 13 was a private event, and those facilitating the event do not work for or represent Soul Barn in any way.
“None of our regular therapists, staff or facilitators were present at any point during this event.
“We share the shock and devastation of everyone involved, and our hearts are with those families affected.”
Soul Barn will remain closed while police investigate Ms Dixon’s death.
Two other people were taken to hospital but were later discharged.
While Ms Dixon’s son and ex-husband believe the drink contained mushrooms, police have not confirmed that.
Ms Dixon’s son Matthew posted a heartbreaking tribute to his mother on social media on Sunday, writing that he wished he could give her “one last hug”.
“To the most loving, most caring person I’ve ever known, can’t thank you enough for everything you ever did for me and all the support you gave me,” he said.
“Words can’t begin to describe how much I will miss you, wish I could give you one last hug.”
A Victoria Police spokeswoman said it’s believed Ms Dixon became ill after ingesting a drink just after 12am.
“Investigations remain ongoing and police will prepare a report for the coroner,” the spokesperson said.
Before releasing this statement, the owners of the centre had not posted anything on its Facebook page since the weekend, save for a single post on Sunday abruptly cancelling a sound healing workshop for the same afternoon.
Several people commented offering “healing” and their support in the wake of the news on Soul Barn’s last Facebook update.
“I’m sending so much love to you all. Your community is sending you lots of love. Reach out if you need anything,” one woman wrote.
Soul Barn had earlier advertised a “Slow Beauty Medicine” event with “ritual skincare and reiki to soothe body and spirit”.
“Using infused herbal oils sourced from local farms & wild foraged plants, plus handcrafted skincare from around the world,” a listing in the centre’s newsletter reads.
“Woven into bespoke treatments to deliver your best skin, all while uplifting and enriching your soul with Reiki. This is a facial like none other, one you will never forget!”
Police have called on anyone with information about the incident to get in touch.
A spokesman from Ambulance Victoria said paramedics arrived at the property just after 11.50am on Saturday, with two people taken to Ballarat Base Hospital.
The death comes after Victorian authorities warned residents earlier this month that poisonous mushrooms were growing across the state.
“Unless you are an expert, do not pick and eat wild mushrooms in Victoria,” acting chief health officer Evelyn Wong said.
“There is no home test available to distinguish safe and edible mushrooms from poisonous mushrooms.”
The town of Clunes was rocked by a tragedy last week after former resident Hannah McGuire was allegedly murdered by her ex-partner near Ballarat.
The 21-year-old’s remains were discovered in burnt-out car at State Forest Road in Scarsdale, south of the town Ballarat on April 5.
Crime Stoppers can be reached on 1800 333 000 or online at crimestoppervic.com.au
