Rachael Dixon: Mum who died at Soul Barn Health Retreat in Clunes may have ingested ‘magic’ mushrooms – as her son pays heartbreaking tribute

A woman has died and two others were taken to hospital after allegedly consuming a drink with ‘adulterated’ 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.

Mrs Dixon became violently ill after she is believed to have crushed mushrooms and consumed them in a drink.

An ambulance was called after reports that she was in cardiac arrest and not breathing. She died at the scene just after 12 o’clock.

Her two friends were also taken to the hospital for observation and released Tuesday.

Police are expected to investigate whether the drink contained “magic” mushrooms, which contain the hallucinogenic chemical psilocybin, Herald Sun reported.

Mrs Dixon’s son Matthew paid tribute to his mum on social media on Sunday, writing: ‘To the most loving, most caring person I have ever known, I can’t thank you enough for everything you have ever done for me and all the support you gave me’.

‘Words cannot begin to describe how much I will miss you, wish I could give you one last hug.’

Detectives from the Moorabool Crime Investigation Unit are investigating the mother’s death and are set to interview those who were at the retreat at the time.

Investigators are also looking into 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 & Holistic Health Service’ and was used to promote the skincare event.

“(The specialist) weaves ancient skincare rituals and combines them with modern techniques to create nurturing yet active facials,” it announced.

‘Using infused herbal oils from local farms and wild foraged plants, plus handcrafted skincare from around the world, specially selected for its potency and purity… This is a facial like no other, one you’ll never forget!’

A post on Sunday extended the company’s ‘deepest sympathies’, while stating that a ‘sound healing’ session that day would be canceled and those who booked would be refunded.

Soul Barn remained closed on Tuesday as local business owners and residents said the incident was ‘confrontational’ and ‘devastating’.

TheWSTNews Australia contacted Soul Barn owner Michelle Mullins for comment.

TheWSTNews Australia is not suggesting that Ms Mullins or anyone associated with her business deliberately poisoned people.

A Victoria Police spokeswoman told TheWSTNews Australia that detectives from its MDetectives from the Oorabool Criminal Investigation Unit investigated the death.

“It is believed a woman was at a retreat on Fraser Street when she became ill after consuming a drink at around 12pm,” she said in a statement.

‘The investigation is continuing and the 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 poisonous death caps and yellowing fungi were growing across Victoria.

The department warned that “consuming just one (death cap) mushroom can kill an adult”.

Although not as deadly, yellow-colored mushrooms appear to be ‘very similar to common store-bought mushrooms’ and species that are safe to eat.

‘Anyone who collects and consumes wild mushrooms of unknown species puts themselves at risk of potential poisoning and serious illness,’ reads the warning.

‘Cooking, peeling or drying these mushrooms does not remove or inactivate the poison.’

Ms Mullins spoke about her 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 connect you with your own passions, allow you to explore new skills and encourage you to express yourself authentically. To bring like-minded people together and create community in the small town of Clunes,’ she wrote.

‘As many of you know, Sound Healing is my passion. With over 15 years of experience, I have conducted retreats, workshops and facilitator training both in Australia and internationally with a focus on vibrational healing.

‘I love creating layered soundscapes using percussion to replicate nature sounds. By combining Tibetan bowls with chimes and the drum to create a unique and healing space that allows people to fall into deep meditation.’

Ms Mullins described herself as a ‘creative entrepreneur, a change maker with a big vision and a rebellious streak’.

“I love to challenge convention and am driven to live my soul purpose — and help others live theirs,” she wrote.

‘I care deeply about the success of others and love helping individuals achieve their goals and dreams. We cannot succeed in life and our careers in isolation and competitiveness, it is in the connection, the support, the nurturing and the guidance that I can connect with my gifts, and help others connect with theirs.’

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 had served the deceased a Beef Wellington dish that contained poisonous mushrooms.

Until now, Clunes had been better known as the town used as the backdrop for the Australian classic Mad Max – a seminal sci-fi film depicting ruthless bikers going up against a young Mel Gibson.

Its historic high street has hosted numerous TV and film productions, and its old bank building features 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