Family of NZer who died at health retreat pay tribute
The family of a New Zealand woman who died after allegedly consuming a drink that may have contained magic mushrooms says words cannot convey their heartbreak.
Rachael Dixon, 53, died at creative wellbeing centre Soul Barn in Australia’s Clunes on Saturday after she ingested a drink and fell ill.
It’s understood that Dixon, who is originally from Southland, went into cardiac arrest, and an ambulance was called but she died at the scene, 9News reported.
Dixon's son, Matthew Mountain, posted a tribute to her on Facebook.
“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, words can’t begin to describe how much I will miss you, wish I could give you one last hug,” he wrote. “Love you infinity Mum.”
Sister Penny Muller-Dixon posted that “words cannot express the heartbreak we are all feeling”.
“Matthew, your NZ family love you, we will see you soon. Life is so f...ing short please hug and love those around you. “#takentooyoung#lovemysister” Two other people were taken to Grampians Health Ballarat Base Hospital for observation after the incident, but had since been discharged, 9News reported.
Police were investigating what unfolded, and preparing a report for the coroner.
Detectives were probing whether a mushroom-based drink was consumed, but have not ruled out other potentially toxic substances, according to reports by The Age.
Toxicologist Dr Jonathan Karro told 9News the public needed to exercise caution with mushrooms.
“Whenever there’s more than one person who seems to get ill following the ingestion of any substance ... meal, especially mushroom-containing, one needs to consider whether there was a toxic product ... including a mushroom in whatever was ingested,” Karro said.
“Everyone needs to be very careful ... one of the most important pieces of advice I could offer is essentially never to go foraging for mushrooms.”
Soul Barn is advertised as an alternative and holistic health service.
The business has not released a statement in relation to the incident but said in a post on its Facebook page on Sunday: “My deepest apologies – Sound healing is xld today – email with refund and details have been sent to all booked x.”
The business had earlier advertised that a herbalist who uses “wild foraged plants” would be there on the weekend.
The town of Clunes is about 36km north of Ballarat.
“Everyone needs to be very careful ... one of the most important pieces of advice I could offer is essentially never to go foraging for mushrooms.”
Dr Jonathan Karro