Clunes death: Major update on ‘magic mushroom poisoning’ after bombshell revelation triggers a furious backlash
The owner of a New Age healthcare company that hosted a retreat where a woman died has come under fire for her role in the tragedy.
Soul Barn owner and founder Michelle Mullins issued a statement on Wednesday to refute speculation that she was running the clinic when Rachael Dixon, 53, fell ill and died at the site in Clunes, Victoria, at noon on Sunday.
The statement, which was posted on social media, has since been bombarded with comments criticizing her.
“I guess that’s the risk of renting out your location, your reputation,” one person wrote.
Soul Barn owner and founder Michelle Mullins has come under fire after expressing her grief over the death of Rachael Dixon
Rachael Dixon died during a retreat at Soul Barn in Clunes (pictured)
“Unfortunately, it’s still your responsibility to hire your professionals if it’s your business.”
Ms Mullins had released the statement on Wednesday afternoon, outlining her devastation at the tragedy under the roof of her shop.
“There are no words to express the deep sadness and shock we feel here at Soul following the tragic incident that occurred on April 13,” her statement read.
“The event that 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 time during this event.”
Ms Dixon became seriously ill and later died of a suspected heart attack after allegedly drinking a mushroom tonic at Soul Barn.
It remains publicly unknown which of Soul Barn’s clients actually organized the retreat.
Daily Mail Australia is not suggesting Ms Mullins had anything to do with the tragic death linked to Soul Barn.
One of many books on mushrooms for sale at Soul Barn in Clunes
Rachael Dixon died amid speculation she consumed a magic mushroom drink during a health retreat at Clunes’ Soul Barn
Rachael Dixon’s son paid tribute to his mother on social media after her tragic death
Ms Mullins said she and her staff were all traumatized by what had happened at her business.
“We share the shock and devastation of all involved and our thoughts are with the families affected,” it said.
“We have no further information to share and we ask that you respect the privacy of our small community.”
Soul Barn’s social media pages provided online trolls with plenty of ammunition, with many noting that the property had previously been used by hosts with a passion for new age medicine, including magic mushrooms.
The store itself previously promoted books with titles such as ‘The Magic of Mushrooms’, ‘The Green Witch’s Garden Journal’ and ‘Mushroom Spirit Oracle’.
Although Ms Mullins has refused to respond to the online criticism, her supporters have rallied behind her.
“Sorry for what you’re going through, so many uninformed clown making issues, I’d love to attend your retreat, hold on,” one supporter wrote.
‘Sending love Shell. You are an amazing woman and so strong. Wishing you lots of love as you navigate this challenging time. You are on my thoughts,” another commented.
A health retreat similar to the one pictured here is believed to have taken place at Soul Barn on the day Rachael Dixon died
Another book for sale at Soul Barn
This statement from Soul Barn resulted in a firestorm of hatred directed at the owner
The investigation into Ms Dixon’s death continues, with a Victoria Police spokesperson telling Daily Mail Australia on Thursday it was still awaiting the results of an autopsy.
Tributes continued to flow for Ms Dixon on Thursday.
‘Rach was an independent woman capable of anything and she was always happy to show off her home projects; terrace, barbecue area, Richards wooden shed and garden makeover. She enjoyed making chili sauce,” a former colleague posted online.
‘(She) was a strong and assertive woman, who embraced her gray and new-found wisdom. She was an integral part of our team.
‘She enjoyed her new role and would make a difference.
‘Finally we were a complete team. I’m sad that she’s gone, suddenly and without the opportunity to say goodbye.’
It is understood police are concerned that Ms Dixon may have consumed magic mushrooms before her death.
Two other people hospitalized after the Soul Barn incident were released Tuesday.
Psilocybin mushrooms are ready for harvest (stock image)
Clunes was better known as the location of many a great Australian film before several tragedies occurred
Just two weeks before Ms Dixon’s death, Victoria’s Department of Health had also warned that the incredibly poisonous death cap and yellow-spotted mushrooms were beginning to appear across the state.
It was advised that ‘consuming just one (death cap) mushroom can kill an adult’, while yellow-coloured mushrooms are ‘very similar to normally purchased mushrooms’.
“Anyone who collects and consumes wild mushrooms of unknown species is at risk of possible poisoning and serious illness,” the report said.
“Cooking, peeling or drying these mushrooms does not remove or inactivate the poison.”
Ms Dixon’s death came a year after another high-profile incidence 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 poisonous mushrooms.