A woman has died and two others have been taken to hospital after consuming a suspected 'mushroom' drink at a health retreat.
The incident occurred in the town of Clunes in Victoria, Australia, over the weekend.
The woman, 53, was from Ringwood North in Melbourne, and attended the alternative health centre, called Soul Barn.
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After becoming severely ill, emergency services were called as she was in cardiac arrest and stopped breathing, and she died shortly after 12am.
Two other health retreat attendees were taken to hospital for observation.
Those investigating have theorised that a mushroom-based drink may have been responsible for the woman's death, but have not yet ruled out other toxic substances that could be at play, though there is no suggestion of the poisoning being intentional.
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Soul Barn state on their Facebook page that they are an 'Alternative & Holistic Health Service'.
They explained that a skin expert was meant to attend the centre on Saturday 13 April: "(The specialist) weaves ancient skincare rituals and combines them with modern techniques to create nurturing yet active facials.
"Using infused herbal oils sourced from local farms & wild foraged plants, plus handcrafted skincare from around the world especially chosen for its potency and purity ... This is a facial like non other, one you will never forget!"
However, after these events, the business posted on Sunday 14 April that they would be closed, with those with sessions for 'sound healing' classes set to be refunded.
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A Victoria Police spokeswoman revealed to Daily Mail Australia that detectives from its Moorabool Crime Investigation Unit were on the case and investigating the death.
"It is believed a woman was at a retreat on Fraser Street when she became ill after ingesting a drink about 12pm," she said in a statement.
"Investigations remain ongoing and police will prepare a report for the coroner."
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Immediately following the horrific turn of events on Saturday, a police spokesperson stated: "It is believed a woman was at a retreat on Fraser Street when she became ill after ingesting a drink just after 12am.
“The 53-year-old Ringwood North woman died at the scene.
“Two other people were taken to hospital for observation.”
LADbible has reached out to Soul Barn for comment.
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Soul Barn owner Michelle Mullins previously spoke about her dream business in an Instagram post earlier this year: "My dream for Soul Barn is for it to be a space where people can connect on many levels.
"Hosting inspiring workshops & retreats that will link you to your own passions, allow you to explore new skills and encourage you to express yourself authentically.
"Bringing like minded people together and creating community in the small town of Clunes."
Mullins outlined her goal with the centre, to run retreats, workshops and facilitator trainings.
She also described herself as a 'creative entrepreneur, a change maker with a big vision and a rebellious streak'.
Joshua Nair