The alternative health centre where a Melbourne woman died after consuming a drink her family claims contained mushrooms has issued a public statement saying it is devastated about the “tragic incident”.
Rachael Dixon, 53, went into cardiac arrest and died about midnight on Sunday after ingesting the drink at Soul Barn in Clunes, near Ballarat.
WATCH THE VIDEO ABOVE: Victorian health centre where woman died after ingesting drink responds.
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Soul Barn, a self-described “creative wellbeing centre” that specialises in holistic and alternative practices, issued a statement on Thursday saying it was shocked and devastated.
It said the event on Saturday that Dixon attended was not run by the centre or facilitated by any of its staff.
“Soul Barn hires out workshop (spaces) to external businesses and facilitators,” it said.
“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.
“None of our regular therapists staff or facilitators were present at any point during this event.
“We share the shock and devastation of everyone involved, and our hearts are with those families affected.”
Soul Barn will remain closed while police investigate Dixon’s death.
Two other people who consumed the drink were taken to Ballarat Base Hospital on Sunday for observation. They were treated for shock but have since been discharged.
Speaking to 7NEWS, Dixon’s son and ex-husband claimed the drink contained mushrooms. This has not been confirmed by police.
Dixon’s son said his mother deteriorated quickly after drinking it.
Her ex-husband said police are investigating if the 53-year-old had a bad reaction because of an underlying medical condition, or because of any medication she was on.
The mother-of-one had visited Soul Barn several times before the incident.
Her family said she had recently had a medical checkup and believed she was in good health.
It’s understood homicide detectives are not investigating Dixon’s death.
WorkSafe said it is aware of the incident and that “investigators will determine whether further action is required”.
A report is being prepared for the coroner.
