Woman linked to Clunes health retreat death charged with drug trafficking

A self-proclaimed ‘healer and mentor’ linked to a Clunes health retreat where a woman died after consuming a drink allegedly containing magic mushrooms has been charged with drug trafficking.

A self-proclaimed “healer and mentor” linked to a Clunes health retreat where a mother died from consuming a drink that allegedly contained magic mushrooms has been charged with drug trafficking.

The Herald Sun can reveal Port Melbourne business owner Deanne Mathews was arrested and charged this week with trafficking a drug of dependence psilocin, also known as magic mushrooms.

A Victoria Police spokeswoman said detectives will allege they found evidence against Ms Mathews while investigating the death of Ringwood woman Rachael Dixon.

The 53-year-old personal trainer suffered a cardiac arrest and died after allegedly ingesting a psychedelic drink during an overnight event at Soul Barn on April 14.

Deanne Mathews is a self-proclaimed mentor and healer.

Despite an autopsy, her cause of death remains unknown.

“During the investigation, police will allege they found evidence a 53-year-old woman involved in the retreat was trafficking drugs,” the spokeswoman said.

“The investigation was launched following the death of a 53-year-old Ringwood woman at a retreat on April 14, 2024.

“An autopsy was conducted however her cause of death was unable to be determined and no charges have been laid in relation to the death.

“Police are continuing to prepare a report for the coroner.”

Ms Mathews, from Mount Macedon, will appear at Bacchus Marsh Magistrates’ Court on January 29.

It’s understood she allegedly hosted the private retreat where Rachael Dixon died.

Ms Dixon died of cardiac arrest. Picture: Supplied

The Herald Sun revealed last year that Ms Mathews was a self-proclaimed healer, mentor and teacher.

She owned a workshop on Rouse St in Port Melbourne and travelled around the state, hosting overnight health retreats.

The event Ms Dixon attended cost between $800 to $1200 per person and was not listed on Ms Mathews’ website but rather advertised through word-of-mouth within the community.

The pair had known each other for about seven years with Ms Dixon attending previous events by Ms Mathews.

It’s believed Ms Mathews and Ms Dixon had known each other for years.

It’s believed Ms Dixon allegedly consumed the magic mushroom drink at other retreats without any complications.

The ingredients in the drink forced participants to fall into a state of hypnosis, allowing them to “go back in time and mend the past”.

Usually one individual present at the event would refrain from consuming the hallucinogens in order to ensure the safety of the other participants.

But it’s understood every participant at the Clunes retreat allegedly ingested the mushroom drink the night that Ms Dixon died.

No one else suffered injuries but two people were taken to hospital for shock.