A tragic incident unfolded at a wellness retreat in the serene town of Clunes near Ballarat, Victoria, where a woman lost her life after consuming a suspicious beverage. The 53-year-old individual from Ringwood North tragically passed away at Soul Barn on Fraser Street after falling ill around midnight.
Reportedly, the woman went into cardiac arrest, prompting an emergency call for medical assistance. Despite efforts by paramedics, she could not be revived and passed away at the scene. Two other individuals were also affected and were rushed to Grampians Health Ballarat Base Hospital for observation; fortunately, they have since been discharged.
Authorities are actively investigating the circumstances surrounding the incident and are preparing a comprehensive report for the coroner’s office. Detectives are exploring the possibility that a mushroom-based drink may have been involved, although other toxic substances have not been ruled out as of yet.
Renowned toxicologist Dr. Jonathan Karro emphasized the importance of caution, particularly with regard to mushrooms. He warned the public about the potential dangers of consuming toxic substances and advised against foraging for mushrooms without proper knowledge and expertise.
Soul Barn, the venue where the tragic incident occurred, is known for offering alternative and holistic health services to its patrons. While the business has not issued an official statement regarding the incident, they did communicate a cancellation of a scheduled sound healing session on their Facebook page.
Prior to the incident, Soul Barn had promoted the presence of a herbalist specializing in wild foraged plants over the weekend, raising questions about the ingredients used during the wellness activities.
Clunes, located approximately 36 kilometers north of Ballarat, is a quaint town known for its peaceful surroundings and wellness retreats. Authorities urge anyone with information regarding the incident to come forward and assist in the ongoing investigation by contacting Crime Stoppers.
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