Cause of Clunes wellness centre death still a mystery after autopsy

The cause of a Melbourne woman’s death at an alternative wellness centre in regional Victoria remains unknown after an autopsy, as police probe whether she was poisoned by a tea suspected of containing mushrooms.

Victoria Police on Friday evening issued an update on the investigation into the death of 53-year-old Rachael Dixon. She died early on Sunday morning at the Soul Barn Creative Wellbeing Centre in Clunes, a small town about 30 kilometres north of Ballarat.

“An autopsy has since been conducted and at this stage, the cause of death remains unknown,” police said.

“Investigations remain ongoing and police continue to prepare a report for the coroner.”

On Tuesday, The Age reported that police were investigating whether so-called “magic mushrooms” were behind the Ringwood North woman’s death and the hospitalisation of two other people. The pair have since been discharged after they were taken to the Ballarat Base Hospital for observation.

Paramedics were called to Soul Barn about 11.50pm on Saturday after reports Dixon had suffered a possible cardiac arrest and was not breathing. She died at the shop on Fraser Street in Clunes.

On Wednesday, Soul Barn said in a statement it had rented out their premises to “external businesses and facilitators”.

“The event which 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,” the Instagram post said.

“None of our regular therapists, staff or facilitators were present at any point during the event.”

Investigators are probing whether some kind of toxic mushroom, potentially mistaken for the psychedelic variety known as magic mushrooms, was used in a drink that is suspected of making Dixon and the two others ill. However, they have not ruled out other toxic substances.

The Soul Barn Creative Wellbeing Centre in Clunes.Credit: Jason South

Details of the event that Dixon attended at Soul Barn are unknown.

Anyone who witnessed the incident or has information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or submit a confidential report online at www.crimestoppersvic.com.au

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