Dish suspected to be at centre of lethal mushroom lunch

As police probe the tragic mushroom lunch in Leongatha, it’s believed a beef wellington dish left three people dead and one fighting for life.

A beef wellington dish is reported to be the lunchtime meal that left three people dead and one fighting for life from suspected mushroom poisoning.

Erin Patterson prepared the meal at her home in Leongatha for her former parents-in-law, Gail and Don Patterson, and Gail’s sister Heather Wilkinson and her husband, Ian.

Upon feeling ill, Heather and Ian Wilkinson and Gail and Don Patterson were taken to Leongatha hospital before they were transferred to The Alfred hospital.

Don, Gail and Heather all died after eating the meal, while Ian remains in a critical condition.

Police confirmed their symptoms were consistent with having eaten death cap mushrooms.

The Herald Sun is not suggesting that Erin Patterson intentionally poisoned her guests, only that police are investigating the matter.

It follows speculation among the Korumburra community that the family had dined on beef stroganoff.

But sources close to the investigation told the Herald Sun a stew-type dish was not on the menu.

Flowers at the Leongatha home where the meal was held. Picture: Jason Edwards

The homicide squad’s detective Inspector Dean Thomas said Erin had prepared separate meals for her children, who were at the lunch but no longer live at the property.

Police said Erin remained a suspect in the investigation because she had cooked the meal but did not become ill.

When asked earlier in the week about police treating her as a suspect in the tragic lunch deaths, Erin maintained her innocence.

“I didn’t do anything,” she told the media on Monday.

“I loved them and I’m devastated they are gone.

“They were some of the best people I’ve ever met.”

Erin has not been seen in Leongatha since about 10am on Thursday, where she left her home to consult with lawyers in Melbourne.

It is believed she did not return to her Leongatha property overnight.

Erin has so far refused to answer questions about where the mushrooms came from and what meal she had served the couples.

She originally told police she bought the mushrooms from “the local shops” but later gave a “no comment” interview.

South Gippsland Shire councillor Sarah Gilligan said the community was still “in shock” since the news broke late last week.

“Locals know about the dangers and types of mushrooms here so there is confusion and disbelief at how this could have happened,” she said.

Leongatha supermarkets declined to comment on whether they had received any police inquiries or knew anyone connected to the case.

Woolworths, Aldi and IGA are all located in Leongatha.

A Woolworths spokeswoman said the supermarket wasn’t investigating their mushroom supply.

“We have not been directed to recall any mushroom products, and we have not received any similar reports of illness from customers,” she said.

It’s understood Woolworths hasn’t received information to suggest there is any threat to safety from their mushrooms.

Death cap mushrooms typically grow under oak trees and are found in Victoria and the Australian Capital Territory.

A Coles spokeswoman said they didn’t sell “any wild foraged mushrooms”.

“Food safety is paramount at Coles and we adhere to strict protocols to ensure the highest quality products,” she said.

“Coles sells cultivated mushrooms, with various varieties on offer that are all suitable for human consumption.”

It’s believed Coles haven’t received any requests from food safety bodies or authorities to investigate their mushrooms.

Aldi and IGA have also been contacted.

Korumburra resident Leigh Spaull, who knew Ian and Heather Wilkinson for about 25 years, said the community was “devastated”.

“It’s horrible what’s happened,” he said.

“I used to see Ian and Heather at the supermarket and say hello, I’ve known them since they moved here.

“I think if you asked everyone in Korumburra they would tell you they are just praying for Ian that he pulls through”.

Death cap mushrooms typically grow under oak trees and are found in Victoria and the Australian Capital Territory.

In their early growth stages they have a white creamy colour that can resemble edible straw mushrooms.