Mushroom chef's ex-husband seen for first time since parents died 'of poisoning'

11 August 2023 , 11:48

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Mushroom chef's ex-husband seen for first time since parents died 'of poisoning'

Footage captures the ex-husband of a mushroom chef for the first time since she became a person of interest in a mysterious case that saw a beef Wellington pie kill his parents and aunt.

Simon Patterson broke cover yesterday as he was seen stepping out of his home, getting into a car, then driving away from the property. He chose not to talk to TV reporters outside the address in Korumburra in Victoria, Australia.

His ex-wife Erin Patterson had arranged the lunch last month in a bid to reconcile with Simon. But, his parents Don and Gail, both 70, later fell ill and died, it is thought from food poisoning. Gail's sister Heather Wilkinson, 66, also died.

Erin Patterson broke down in tears as she spoke to reporters

But Simon himself pulled out at the last minute, it was reported this week. His uncle and Heather's husband pastor husband Ian, 68, remains fighting for life in hospital.

Local media says Erin, 48, cooked a beef Wellington pie, which contained mushrooms, said to have been poisonous. However, the deaths are being treated as "unexplained" by police and Erin has not been named by officers as a specific suspect.

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Detectives, though, have seized several items as part of their investigation - including items found at Erin's home in Leongatha in Victoria. Since the tragedies, the Pattersons and Wilkinsons have not addressed the media.

Heather Wilkinson has been named one of the victims and her husband Ian is in hospital

Erin herself, released without charge as the investigation into the deaths, spoke to reporters outside her home earlier this week. She denied any wrongdoing. She said she "loved" her four guests who had always treated her with kindness and that she was devastated by what had happened.

Her guests visited her home on Saturday July 29, ate the meal and fell ill the next day. They went to a local hospital and were transferred to a larger facility in Melbourne, Australia.

Gail and Heather died in hospital on Friday August 4, six days after lunch. Don lost his life in the hospital in Melbourne on the following day.

Bradley Jolly