One dead, two hospitalised over suspected mushroom drink poisoning at health retreat near Ballarat

A woman is dead and another two are in hospital after they allegedly consumed a drink at a health retreat near Ballarat that investigators believe could have contained mushrooms.

A Victoria Police statement said officers were investigating and a report would be prepared for the coroner after a 53-year-old Ringwood woman died shortly after becoming ill on Saturday afternoon.

The death reportedly occurred at Soul Barn, a health retreat in Clunes, just a short distance from Ballarat.

The Age is reporting that investigators are probing whether the drink was a mushroom-based one.

“Moorabool crime investigation unit detectives are investigating the circumstances following the death of a woman in Clunes, Saturday, 13 April,” a police spokeswoman said.

“The 53-year-old Ringwood North woman died at the scene.

“It is believed a woman was at a retreat on Fraser Street when she became ill after ingesting a drink about 12pm.

“Two other people were taken to hospital for observation.

“Investigations remain ongoing and police will prepare a report for the coroner.”

Anyone with information on the incident can contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or file an anonymous report online.

More to come.