Woman was ‘positive about what she wanted’
A woman who died after allegedly ingesting a drink containing mushrooms has been remembered as a positive woman who knew what she wanted in life.
Rachael Dixon, 53, died at Soul Barn in Australia’s Clunes on Saturday after she ingested a drink and fell ill.
It’s understood Dixon, who is originally from Southland, went into cardiac arrest and an ambulance was called but she died at the scene.
Dixon was a myotherapist (a type of manual physical therapy) and personal trainer and one of her clients Robyn Gutterson said she was a “very very positive woman and knew what she wanted in life”.
“I will miss her.”
The creative wellbeing centre where the incident occurred has said it was hired out for a private event and none of its regular staff were present.
Soul Barn said in a statement there were no words to express the deep sorrow and shock staff were feeling following the incident.
“Soul Barn hires out workshop space to external businesses and facilitators. The event which took place on April 13th was a private event, and those facilitating the event do not work for or represent Soul Barn in any way.
“None of our regular therapists, staff, or facilitators were present at any point during the event.”
The statement said it was closed while police completed their investigation.
“We share the shock and devastation of everyone involved, and our hearts are with those families affected.”
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 “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.
Detectives were probing whether a mushroom-based drink was consumed.
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.