Korumburra pastor Ian Wilkinson recovering in hospital after mushroom poisoning
He ingested a poisonous mushroom lunch that killed three of his family members, and now there’s a big update about the sole survivor.
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A fortnight after ingesting a poisonous mushroom lunch that killed three of his family members, there’s positive news about the sole survivor.
After the meal prepared by Erin Patterson left pastor Ian Wilkinson fighting for his life in Melbourne's Austin Hospital, he is now needing “less” medical support as he awaits a lifesaving liver transplant.
The beef wellington pie Wilkinson consumed at the lunch was served by Simon Patterson’s ex-wife Erin following a gathering at the 48-year-old’s home in Leongatha, southeast of Melbourne. Erin has maintained her innocence and police have said the case is “complex” and there could be a “very innocent” explanation.
The “encouraging” news about Wilkinson was shared on Sunday morning by the leader of Korumburra Baptist Church in Gippsland, Victoria, to the dozens of parishioners who had gathered to pray for their pastor and the “souls” of his wife Heather, her sister Gail Patterson, and Gail’s husband Don, the Daily Mail reported.
Church leader Laurie said Wilkinson, who was in a critical condition, is now stable.
He asked for the church community to keep the Wilkinson and the Patterson families in their prayers, referring to the community members as the “fab four”.
The Fab Four is a US tribute band paying homage to The Beatles, who acquired the nickname as their popularity grew into a fan frenzy known as “Beatlemania”.
However, Laurie pointed out that the churchgoers were the opposite of attention-grabbing.
“Today, four of our church members are not with us. Three are at rest with the Lord,” he said.
“I’ve heard Don, Gail, Heather and Ian referred to as the Fab Four.
“But unlike billboards that call for attention, they were more like signposts. Gently guiding people in faith.”
Laurie said the church had been moved by the outpouring of support it had received from around the world – and locally – since the tragedy.
The Wilkinson’s daughter Ruth shared a touching message in a church pamphlet: “Please pass on our sincere thanks to our church family for all the prayers and support. We truly appreciate the care and the kindness and fell upheld by the love.”
The church will be open between 1pm and 2pm daily for those who wish to pray for Wilkinson, a “wonderful man of God”.
Police suspect the meal served at Ms Patterson’s home had death cap mushrooms in it. They are investigating the deaths and no charges have been laid.
Talking to the media outside her home this week, Ms Patterson said she “didn’t do anything”. She said she “loved” her in-laws, with Gail being like a mother to her, adding that she was “devastated” by the deaths.
She didn’t answer any questions about what, if any, mushrooms were served at the meal or if she consumed them.
Neither Ms Patterson or her two children became ill after the lunch.
Ms Patterson’s estranged husband Simon Patterson was supposed to also be at the meal but pulled out, a close friend told the Daily Mail.
“They went to her house for a mediation to talk to the family. Simon was supposed to go there for lunch but he pulled out in the last minute otherwise he would be in that death bed too,” the friend said, adding that Simon was not interested in getting back with the mother of his children.
It comes as sources have claimed Ms Patterson had an “odd” relationship with her ex-partner. Friends told The Australian there seemed to be a strain and “sense of oddness” between Ms Patterson and Simon.
The friend told the publication that Mr Patterson’s family was worried about Ms Patterson’s “mental state” so they accepted the lunch invitation to “make sure she was in the right mental health to resume a relationship with Simon”.
Last weekend, Ms Patterson was interviewed by police while her home was searched.
According to 7 News, she initially told police that she picked up the mushrooms from a local shop in the Leongatha area.
In the past there have been claims that death cap mushrooms have mistakenly been sold at shops. However, mushroom poisonings are usually because they have been picked wild, despite looking similar to some edible mushrooms.
On social media, Mr Patterson said he had to be put into an induced coma last year following a sudden gut illness.
In a social media post, Mr Patterson revealed he almost died as a result of the mystery illness.
“I collapsed at home, then was in an induced coma for 16 days through which I had three emergency operations mainly on my small intestine, plus an additional planned operation,” he wrote.
“My family were asked to come and say goodbye to me twice, as I was not expected to live.”
Mr Patterson said the “serious gut problems” had seemed to be fixed but one shoulder remained weak.
In the social media post he thanks Ms Patterson for her support. The pair are separated but remain “amicable”.
Death cap mushrooms can be responsible for serious, fatal damage to the liver and kidneys. They can cause abdominal pain, vomiting and nausea but much of the damage can be done before symptoms occur.
Originally published as Korumburra pastor Ian Wilkinson recovering in hospital after mushroom poisoning
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