WHAT REALLY HAPPENED AT THAT LETHAL LUNCH?

A family meal turned deadly because of mushroom poisoning

The tight-knit community of Korumburra, in southeast Australia, is united in grief and disbelief after three tragic deaths, apparently the result of a mass mushroom poisoning.

Homicide detectives are investigating after locals Heather Wilkinson, 66, and Gail and Don Patterson, both 70, passed away just days after attending a lunch at Erin Patterson’s home.

At the time of going to press, a fourth victim, Heather’s husband Ian Wilkinson, 68, remained in a critical condition in hospital, awaiting a liver transplant.

The circumstances surrounding the poisonings are still being looked into, but it is known the four guests were at the same meal on 29 July, which was cooked by Erin at her Leongatha home.

Erin is separated from Gail and Don’s son Simon, who was set to also attend the lunch but pulled out at the last minute. Heather was Gail’s sister and Ian a local pastor. All were well-known and active members of their small rural community.

Erin and Simon’s two children were at the gathering, but like their mum, they did not appear to have eaten any of the poisoned fungi.

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The guests began developing what seemed to be symptoms of food poisoning over the next 24 hours and went to local hospitals complaining of suspected gastroenteritis, before being transferred to Melbourne’s Austin Hospital.

Heather and Gail both died on 4 August, while Don passed away the following day. Police confirm their symptoms were consistent with having consumed death cap mushrooms.

On 5 August, Erin’s home was searched and a number of items were taken away by police.