Son’s heartbreaking tribute to mum who died in suspected mushroom poisoning

The Victorian woman died from suspected mushroom poisoning on a wellness retreat in Ballarat.

The son of a woman who died after a suspected mushroom poisoning at a wellness retreat in Ballarat has paid tribute to his mother. 

Rachael Dixon, 53, was one of three people believed to have consumed suspected hallucinogenic mushrooms in the Soul Bam Creative Wellbeing Centre in Clunes, near Ballarat.

Paramedics were called to the wellness centre at 11:50pm on Saturday night after Rachael suffered cardiac arrest at the centre. 

Despite receiving CPR, tragically, she was pronounced dead at the scene.

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Rachael's son, Matthew, shared an emotional tribute to his mother. Picture: Facebook

Son pays tribute to mum who died following suspected poisoned mushroom

Two others were taken to Ballarat Base Hospital after consuming the drink, and have since been discharged.  

Police believe the woman, who was from Ringwood North in Melbourne, fell ill after consuming the drink shortly before midnight.

“Investigations remain ongoing and police will prepare a report for the coroner,” said a Victoria Police spokesperson. 

Police do not believe poisonous cap mushrooms were involved, but have not ruled the idea out entirely, contacting Austin Health, which runs the Victorian Poisons Information Centre, for assistance. 

Her son Matthew has since released a statement on social media paying tribute to his beloved mum, a myotherapist who enjoyed visiting retreats and self-care. 

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“Rest in peace,” it began. 

“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,” it continued. “I wish I could give you one last hug.”

“Love you infinity, Mum.” 

The Victorian mum’s sister, Penny, who lives in New Zealand, also paid tribute to the 53yo mother, The Herald Sun reported. 

“So this happened, words cannot express the heartbreak we are all feeling,” she posted on social media. 

“Life is so fkn short, please hug and love those around you, #takentooyoung #lovemysister.” 

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Rachael is remembered as the "most caring person." Picture: The Herald Sun

Victorian residents warned about picking and eating wild mushrooms

Following the tragic death, Soul Barn cancelled its healing workshop and confirmed it would refund those who purchased tickets. 

The death comes weeks after Victorian authorities warned residents about the dangers of mushroom picking, with a spike of poisonous mushrooms growing across the state. 

“Unless you are an expert, do not pick and eat wild mushrooms in Victoria,” said Evelyn Wong, acting chief health officer. 

“There is no home test available to distinguish safe and edible mushrooms from poisonous mushrooms.” 

This is the second mushroom-related tragedy in rural Victoria in less than a year, only 10 months since Erin Patterson was charged with three counts of murder after allegedly cooking lunch with poisonous cap mushrooms. 

Police have urged anyone with information about the incident to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or online at crimestoppervic.com.au

Originally published as Son’s heartbreaking tribute to mum who died in suspected mushroom poisoning