23 August 2023 , 15:03
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An elderly couple who died from a suspected mushroom poisoning were buried in a secret ceremony yesterday.
Gail and Don Patterson became ill after having lunch at the home of their daughter-in-law Erin Patterson in Leongatha, Victoria, Australia, on July 29. Gail's sister Heather Wilkinson, 66, who was also at the lunch with her husband Ian, was among the victims of the tragedy. Her husband remains in hospital but is believed to be in a critical but stable condition.
The four people became ill after eating a Beef Wellington dish that is believed to have included poisonous death cap mushrooms. Gail and Don died a week apart and were buried yesterday on a grassy section of the Korumburra General Cemetery.
Erin Patterson did not attend the private burial service, according to reports (10 News First)The Daily Mail reports that a muddy note attached to a bouquet of flowers where the beloved couple were buried reads: "Loving memories of Donald and Gail." Another note says: "Forever in our hearts." The couple were buried during a private ceremony attended by their closest family members.
The police said the victims' 48-year-old daughter-in-law remains a "person of interest" but is not in custody. According to 7News, Ms Patterson, who has two children with her ex-husband Simon Patterson, did not the private burial service.
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A public memorial service for Gail and Don, who were both 70 years old, will be held at the Korumburra Recreation Centre on August 31. A statement from the family read: "The Patterson family has expressed their deep gratitude for the outpouring of love, support and understanding during this challenging time. They have been touched by the many memories and stories shared by friends, acquaintances, and even strangers who were touched by Don and Gail‘s kindness and generosity.
Three people died after eating poisonous mushrooms (Nine)"In keeping with Don and Gail's wishes and character, the family has chosen to commemorate their lives in a manner that reflects their values and the love they shared with their community. The upcoming public memorial will be an opportunity for all who knew Don and Gail to come together, share memories, and celebrate the lasting legacy they have left behind."
During police interviews, Ms Patterson told officers she had purchased button mushrooms from a major supermarket and dried mushrooms bought at an Asian grocery store. But Daily Mail Australia revealed that she was an experienced fungi forager known to pick wild mushrooms around Victoria's Gippsland region, a source close to the family said.
A friend of the Patterson family said Erin was "very good at foraging" and identifying different mushroom varieties. It is not suggested Ms Patterson deliberately poisoned the dish and police are investigating the victims' deaths.