Clunes death: Major update on 'magic mushroom poisoning' after bombshell revelation triggers a furious backlash

The owner of a new age health business that hosted a retreat where a woman died has come under fire over her role in the tragedy. 

Soul Barn owner and founder Michelle Mullins issued a statement on Wednesday to refute speculation she had been conducting the clinic when Rachael Dixon, 53, fell ill and died at the venue at Clunes, Victoria, at 12am on Sunday.

The statement, which was posted to social media, has since been bombarded with comments slamming her. 

'I guess that’s the risk of hiring out your venue, your reputation,' one person posted. 

Soul Barn owner and founder Michelle Mullins has come under fire after expressing her heartbreak over the death of Rachael Dixon 

Rachael Dixon died while on a retreat at Soul Barn in Clunes (pictured) 

'It unfortunately is still your responsibility to hire out your professionals if it’s your business.'

Ms Mullins had released the statement on Wednesday afternoon, outlining her devastation at the tragedy under her shop's roof. 

'There are no words to express the deep sorrow and shock we are feeling here at Soul following the tragic incident that occurred on April 13th,' her statement read. 

'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 this event.'

Ms Dixon became critically ill and later died from a suspected heart attack after allegedly drinking a mushroom tonic at Soul Barn.

It remains publicly unknown which of Soul Barn's clients actually ran the retreat. 

Daily Mail Australia is not suggesting Ms Mullins had anything to do with the tragic death linked to Soul Barn.  

One of the many books about mushrooms on sale at Soul Barn in Clunes 

Rachael Dixon died amid speculation she consumed a drink containing magic mushrooms while at a health retreat at Clunes' Soul Barn 

Rachael Dixon's son paid tribute to his mother on social media after her tragic death 

Ms Mullins said she and her staff had all been traumatised by what had happened at her business.

'We share the shock and devastation of everyone involved and our hearts are with those families affected,' it read.

'We have no further information to share and we ask you to please respect the privacy of our small community.'

Soul Barn's social media pages provided online trolls with plenty of ammunition, with many noting the premises had been previously used by hosts with a passion for new age medicines, including magic mushrooms. 

The shop itself has previously promoted books with titles such as 'The Magic of Mushrooms', 'The Green Witch's Garden Journal' and 'Mushroom Spirit Oracle'. 

While Ms Mullins has refused to respond to the online criticism, her supporters have rallied behind her. 

'Sorry for what you are going through, so many uninformed trouble making clowns, I'd happily attend your retreat, hang in there,' one supporter wrote. 

'Sending love Shell. You’re an amazing woman and so strong. Wishing you lots of love as you navigate through this challenging time. You’re in my thoughts,' another commented. 

A health retreat similar to that pictured here is believed to have operated at Soul Barn on the day Rachael Dixon died 

Another book on sale at Soul Barn 

This statement from Soul Barn resulted in a firestorm of hate directed at its owner 

The investigation into Ms Dixon's death remains ongoing, with a Victoria Police spokesperson telling Daily Mail Australia on Thursday that it is still awaiting the results of a post mortem. 

Tributes continued to flow for Ms Dixon on Thursday. 

'Rach was an independent woman capable of all things and she was always chuffed to show off her home projects; deck, BBQ area, Richards wood shed, and garden make over. She was enjoying the making of chilli sauce,' a former work colleague posted online. 

'(She) was a strong and assertive woman, embracing her grey and new found wisdom. She was an integral part of our team. 

'She was enjoying her new role and was going to make a difference. 

'We were finally a full team. I'm sad she has gone, taken to suddenly and without the opportunity to say good bye.'

It is understood police are concerned Ms Dixon may have consumed magic mushrooms before her death.  

Two other people hospitalised after the Soul Barn incident were released on Tuesday. 

Psilocybin mushrooms stand ready for harvest (stock image) 

Clunes was better known as the location of many a great Australian movie before several tragedies struck it 

Just two weeks before Ms Dixon's death, Victoria's Department of Health had also warned the incredibly poisonous death cap and yellow-staining mushrooms had begun appearing across the state.

It advised 'consuming just one (death cap) mushroom can kill an adult' while yellow-staining mushrooms appear 'very similar to regular purchased mushrooms'.

'Anyone who collects and consumes wild mushrooms of unknown species is putting themselves at risk of potential poisoning and serious illness,' it said.

'Cooking, peeling or drying these mushrooms does not remove or inactivate the poison.'

Ms Dixon's death came a year after another high-profile incidence of mushroom poisoning in Victoria. 

Erin Patterson from Leongatha, in the Gippsland region of eastern Victoria, was charged with three counts of murder and five counts of attempted murder in November.

She is accused of serving her ex-husband's family members a Beef Wellington laden with toxic mushrooms.