A woman has died and two people have been released from hospital after they allegedly ingested a drink at a health retreat in a regional Victorian town near Ballarat.
A 53-year-old Ringwood North woman died at ‘creative wellbeing centre’ Soul Barn on Fraser Street, Clunes on Saturday after she allegedly ingested a drink and fell ill at about 12am.
It is understood the woman went into cardiac arrest and an ambulance was called but the woman passed away at the scene.
Two other people were taken to Grampians Health Ballarat Base Hospital for observation.
They have since been discharged.
Police are investigating what unfolded and preparing a report for the coroner.
Detectives are 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 would be there on the weekend who uses “wild foraged plants”.
The town of Clunes is about 36 kilometres north of Ballarat.
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
