A coronial inquest into the death of Adelaide fashion entrepreneur Carol Foord has heard allegations that a self-described "shaman" deliberately concealed her use of magic mushrooms from emergency responders in an attempt to protect himself after her condition rapidly deteriorated.
The inquest is examining the circumstances surrounding Ms Foord's death in June 2024, after she participated in what was described as a spiritual healing session involving psilocybin, commonly known as magic mushrooms. Ms Foord, founder of Adelaide fashion businesses Toffs and Wild Child Style Lab, had been living with motor neurone disease and had turned to alternative therapies in the hope of easing her anxiety and improving her wellbeing.
During closing submissions, counsel assisting the coroner, Greg Dudzinski, argued that the healer, Noah McKenna, instructed Ms Foord's partner, Con Ninos, not to mention the mushrooms when contacting emergency services after Ms Foord became critically ill. Mr Dudzinski told the court Mr McKenna was attempting to "save his own skin" rather than ensuring paramedics received all relevant medical information.
The court heard that when paramedics arrived, they asked whether Ms Foord had consumed anything before collapsing. Mr McKenna allegedly replied "no", despite knowing she had ingested magic mushrooms earlier that day. Evidence presented during the inquest also indicated that Ms Foord's partner initially withheld the information after allegedly being instructed not to reveal it. He later told the court he deeply regretted that decision and acknowledged he had been in shock.
Counsel assisting further alleged that the mushrooms administered to Ms Foord may have contained MDMA (or MDA) in addition to psilocybin, increasing the intensity of the experience. It was submitted that Ms Foord may not have known the substance contained more than psilocybin. The inquest heard expert evidence is expected to conclude that the combination of substances likely contributed to the cardiac arrest that led to her death.
Mr McKenna, who is currently in Sweden, declined to give evidence at the inquest after being warned that adverse findings could be made against him. He had previously faced a criminal charge relating to supplying or administering a controlled drug, but that charge was later discontinued due to insufficient evidence. The coronial proceedings are separate from any criminal prosecution and are focused on establishing the circumstances of Ms Foord's death and identifying possible public safety recommendations.
In a written statement presented to the court, Ms Foord's sister, Barbara Komazec, said her family believes both Mr McKenna and Ms Foord's partner failed her during her medical emergency. The family has consistently called for stronger public education about the risks associated with unregulated alternative therapies and psychedelic treatments administered outside recognised medical settings.
The inquest is expected to consider recommendations aimed at improving public awareness of the dangers associated with alternative healing practices and the importance of providing accurate information to emergency medical personnel. Deputy State Coroner Emma Roper will deliver findings after considering all evidence presented during the hearings.
