Leongatha wild mushroom poisoning parishioners gather pray wild mushroom deaths 20230808 p5yub6.html – Breaking News & Latest Updates 2026
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Parishioners gather to pray for local pastor after mushroom poisoning deaths

Allanah Sciberras

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Parishioners at the Korumburra Baptist Church have gathered today to pray for their beloved local pastor who is fighting for life in hospital after a suspected mushroom poisoning.

Heather Wilkinson, her sister Gail Patterson, and Patterson's husband Don Patterson died after eating toxic wild mushrooms during a lunch in Leongatha.

Homicide detectives are investigating the deaths but are yet to determine if the incident was suspicious.

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READ MORE: 'Full of love': Son's heartfelt tributes after mum's body found in house fire

Homicide detectives are still trying to work out if a suspected mushroom poisoning, which killed three people. is suspicious or not. Nine

It's understood the two couples were dining at the home of Erin Patterson, the Pattersons' daughter-in-law, when they were served the meal.

The home was raided by police on Saturday and the 48-year-old was questioned by police and released pending further investigation.

Detective Inspector Dean Thomas told reporters on Monday the victims' symptoms aligned with those of eating toxic death cap mushrooms.

READ MORE: Why foraging for wild mushrooms can end in painful death

Parishioners at the Korumburra Baptist Church have gathered today to pray for their beloved local pastor. Nine

Reverend Ian Wilkinson remains fighting for life at the Austin Hospital, as his loyal parishioners and community members pray for his recovery.

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He is waiting for a liver transplant.

"We are deeply bereaved by what has happened," local parishioner Joyce Fleming said.

"We just want to let them know that we love them deeply and we are praying for them constantly."

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