Mushroom cook’s ex ‘almost died’ from mystery gut illness, police carry out forensic testing on dehydrator

The ex-husband of the woman who hosted the deadly mushroom lunch nearly died last year. Police, meanwhile, are carrying out tests on a dehydrator found at a tip.

The ex-husband of the woman who cooked a deadly mushroom lunch that claimed three lives battled a mystery gut illness.

Simon Patterson collapsed at home and was placed into an induced coma in May last year.

His mother Gail, father Don and aunt Heather Wilkinson died after eating what police believe were wild death cap mushrooms at a lunch cooked by his ex-wife Erin.

Police are now carrying out forensic testing on a dehydrator that was found at a nearby tip.

The Herald Sun on Sunday revealed that one theory being investigated by detectives was whether a dehydrator was used to preserve the mushrooms, before being disposed of the day after they were eaten.

In a social media post, Simon said he almost died.

“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.”

“I was in intensive care for 21 days …”

Simon said he had undergone physiotherapy but his left shoulder was still “very weak”.

“I’m pleased to say all the medical work has seemed to have fixed the serious gut problems I had, and I’ve been feeling great for many days,” he said.

“I feel no pain, and it all seems to have no impact on my personality, character or anything else much.

Erin Patterson leaves her Leongatha home with a suitcase. Picture: Jason Edwards

Flowers left at the front of Ms Patterson’s home following the death of her former parents-in-law. Picture: Jason Edwards

“I have a big scar on my tummy which is healing itself slowly, and I have ICU acquired weakness which is a common condition of people who lie in intensive care for a long time as I did.”

It’s believed Simon coached U16 boys basketball at Poowong.

In the post, he thanked his wife, Erin Patterson, and two children for their support.

It’s understood the couple have since separated but their relationship remained “amicable”.

“I’m expected to make a full recovery so I’m back to the same capacity I had before I collapsed,” he said.

Ms Patterson’s former father-in-law Don Patterson died after ingesting poisonous mushrooms.

His wife, Gail, also died.

Korumburra pastor Ian Wilkinson is fighting for life and wife Heather died after ingesting poisonous mushrooms. Picture: Supplied

It comes as Erin Patterson, who hosted the tragic lunch, said she was feeling “shithouse” following the incident.

“I’m going shithouse, thanks for asking,” she told the media.

“What happened is devastating, I’m grieving too.”

Erin left her home after about 10 minutes, clutching a silver suitcase.

A bouquet of colourful flowers was delivered to the home with a handwritten note addressed to Erin.`

When asked about police treating her as a suspect in the “rather unique” and “unusual” investigation into the sudden 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.”

Korumburra Baptist Church opened their doors on Tuesday with community members praying for Ian and mourning the loss of Don, Gail and Heather.