The family of a South Australian fashion pioneer is demanding justice after she died from cardiac arrest during a spiritual healing session where she ingested magic mushrooms, an inquest has heard.
Inquest investigates paramedic communication failure
The state’s Deputy Coroner is now investigating why paramedics were never told she had taken the potentially deadly psychedelic drug. Carol Foord — founder of King William Rd’s clothing boutique Wild Child — turned to yoga teacher and self‑described “shaman” Noah McKenna in June 2024, hoping alternative therapy might ease the symptoms of her motor neurone disease.
During a five‑hour session at Foord’s home, the 72‑year‑old consumed magic mushrooms as part of “a healing treatment.” Foord went into cardiac arrest and never regained consciousness.
Key details withheld from paramedics
The inquest heard neither McKenna nor Foord’s partner, Con Ninos, told paramedics what she had taken — information Foord’s family believes could have changed the outcome. “I just hope for some justice for Carol,” her sister Barbara Komazec said outside court. “She did cry out for help twice on the day and did not receive it.”
A harrowing triple‑0 call played to the court on Tuesday captured Ninos telling the operator Foord was “unresponsive” and “a bit tired”. McKenna was initially charged with supplying or administering a controlled drug, but the charge was later dropped. He is currently in Sweden and has declined to give evidence at the inquest.
Family issues warning about alternative therapies
Komazec says her sister’s death should serve as a warning. “I just want people to know so it doesn’t happen again. If you’re thinking of doing alternative medicines, don’t — think twice.”
