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

A woman has died and two others have been rushed to hospital after allegedly consuming a drink containing ‘pickled’ ingredients during an ‘alternative health retreat’.

Rachael Dixon, 53, visited the Soul Barn Creative Wellbeing Center in Clunes, near Ballarat, with two friends on Saturday evening.

Mrs Dixon became seriously ill after allegedly crushing mushrooms and consuming them in a drink.

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

Her two friends were also taken to hospital for observation and released on 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 mother on social media on Sunday, writing: ‘To the most loving, most caring person I’ve ever known, I can’t thank you enough for everything you’ve ever done for me and all the support You gave me’.

“Words can’t 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 evidence that the poisoning was intentional.

Soul Barn’s Facebook page describes the center as an ‘Alternative and Holistic Health Service’ and was used to kick off the skincare event.

“(The specialist) interweaves age-old skin care rituals and combines them with modern techniques to create nourishing yet active facial treatments,” it was advertised.

‘Using infused herbal oils sourced from local farms and wild-grown plants, plus handcrafted skin care from around the world, specially chosen for its potency and purity… This is a facial treatment like no other, one you’ll never forget !’

A message on Sunday expressed the company’s ‘deepest condolences’ while stating that a ‘sound healing’ session that day would be canceled and those who had booked would be refunded.

Soul Barn remained closed Tuesday as local business owners and residents said the incident was “confronting” and “devastating.”

Daily Mail Australia contacted Soul Barn owner Michelle Mullins for comment.

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

A Victoria Police spokeswoman told Daily Mail Australia that detectives from the Mearabool Crime Investigation Unit detectives were investigating the death.

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

‘The investigation is ongoing and police will prepare a report for the coroner.’

The state’s Department of Health warned just two weeks before Ms Dixon’s death that poisonous death caps and yellow-spotted mushrooms 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 “very similar to regular purchased mushrooms” and types that are safe to eat.

“Anyone who collects and consumes wild mushrooms of unknown species is at risk of possible poisoning and serious illness,” the warning reads.

“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. Organizing inspiring workshops and retreats that connect you with your own passions, enable you to discover new skills and encourage you to express yourself authentically. Bringing like-minded people together and creating 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 delivered retreats, workshops and facilitator training both in Australia and internationally, with a focus on vibrational healing.

‘I love creating layered soundscapes using percussion to imitate sounds of nature. Combining Tibetan bowls with chimes and the drum to create a unique and healing space that allows people to dive into deep meditation.’

Mrs Mullins described herself as a ‘creative entrepreneur, a changemaker with a big vision and a rebellious streak’.

“I love challenging 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 enjoy helping people achieve their goals and dreams. We cannot succeed in life and our careers if we are isolated and competitive. It is in the connection, support, nurturing, and mentoring that I can connect to my gifts, and help others connect to their own.”

The 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 had served the deceased a Beef Wellington dish containing poisonous mushrooms.

Until now, Clunes was better known as the town used as the setting for the Australian classic Mad Max – a historical science fiction film that pitted ruthless bikers against a young Mel Gibson.

The historic high street has hosted numerous television and film productions, and the old bank building featured in Ned Kelly starring Heath Ledger.

Police have asked anyone with information about the latest incident to come forward contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or submit a confidential report online at www.crimestoppersvic.com.au