Mushroom poisoning deaths: Estranged husband of mushroom chef breaks cover for the first time since his parents died
- Four people poisoned at a family lunch in Leongatha
- Three have since died while the fourth is critical
- Daughter-in-law of one couple is person of interest
The estranged husband of mushroom chef Erin Patterson has been spotted for the first time since her beef Wellington pie apparently killed his parents and aunt.
Simon Patterson has kept mum since his ex-wife was named as a person of interest in the fatal mushroom poisoning lunch held on July 29 in Leongatha, in Victoria’s Gippsland region.
But the father-of-two broke cover on Thursday as he was seen stepping out of his Korumburra home, getting into a car, then driving away from the property.
He refused to comment when asked by a TV reporter about whether he would be standing by his ex-partner in the wake of the tragedy.
The sighting comes after Daily Mail Australia revealed on Thursday that Erin Patterson arranged the lunch in a bid to reconcile with her ex-husband.
Simon Patterson (pictured) was seen leaving his Korumburra home on Thursday
Simon, his parents Don and Gail, both 70, Gail’s sister Heather Wilkinson, 66, and her pastor husband Ian, 68, were on the invite list.
However, Simon pulled out at the last minute.
Don, Gail and Heather later died while Ian is fighting for life in a critical condition at Melbourne’s Austin Hospital.
The Patterson and Wilkinson families have reportedly hired a media advisor and have kept mum about the incident.
Earlier this week, it was revealed Mr Patterson suffered from a mystery stomach illness last year that almost claimed his life.
Sources said the cause of the illness was unclear and Daily Mail Australia is not suggesting Erin Patterson was responsible.
Erin Patterson is pictured outside her Leongatha house earlier this week
Gail and Don Patterson died after eating the mushrooms. Erin was previously married to their son, Simon
Ian Wilkinson and Heather Wilkinson (both pictured) became severely ill after they ate wild mushrooms. Mrs Wilkinson died on Friday while her husband remains in a critical condition in hospital
Detectives questioned Erin Patterson at her Leongatha home on Saturday and seized several items as part of their investigation – including a vegetable dehydrator found dumped at a nearby tip.
The kitchen aid is undergoing forensic testing to determine whether it was involved in the preparation of the meal – which police believe contained death cap mushrooms, toxic fungi that grows around Victoria in autumn.
Erin was released without charge as the investigation into the deaths continues and denied any wrong doing while speaking to reporters outside her home earlier this week.
She said she ‘loved’ her four guests who had always treated her with kindness and that she was devastated by what had happened.
While speaking to police, she reportedly said she purchased the lethal ingredient at a local supermarket, before giving a no-comment interview when called back for a second-round of questioning.
On Thursday, it was revealed Erin’s lawyers had been forced to camp outside her home to hand deliver her legal instructions after she went missing.
Erin told a waiting media pack just before 10am that she was en route to visit her lawyers in Melbourne.
The deadly family gathering took place at Erin Patterson’s home (pictured) in Leongatha, in Victoria’s Gippsland region, on July 29
Police are testing a vegetable dehydrator found at a nearby tip (pictured)
But a representative of that law firm was seen waiting outside her Leongatha home about 5pm to hand deliver a letter from the firm.
The man told Daily Mail Australia it was the only way Ms Patterson could be contacted after homicide squad detectives confiscated her phone and computer devices.
Police were later seen doing a drive-by of Ms Patterson’s home just before sunset.
It is understood lawyers acting for Ms Patterson are concerned for her wellbeing amid the media firestorm outside her rural property.
The legal representative would not answer questions about the contents of the letter or whether charges against Ms Patterson were imminent.
But he did concede it was unusual to have to hand deliver instructions to a client in this manner.
Ms Patterson had still not returned to her home just before dark on Thursday, forcing the representative to leave without delivering his letter.
MUSHROOM POISONING: A TIMELINE OF EVENTS
Saturday, July 29
Don and Gail Patterson and Heather and Ian Wilkinson (a pastor) gather at Erin Patterson’s home in Leongatha, north-east of Melbourne, for lunch.
Sunday, July 30
All four lunch guests present to hospital feeling ill. It is initially thought they have gastro.
As their condition deteriorates, they are transferred to hospitals in Melbourne.
Friday, August 4
Gail and Heather die in hospital.
Saturday, August 5
Don dies in hospital. Police search Erin Patterson’s home in Leongatha and seize a number of items.
Sunday, August 6
Police are seen returning to Erin’s home to question her. She is heard wailing loudly from inside the house before the four officers leave.
Monday, August 7
Victoria Police Detective Inspector for the Homicide Squad, Dean Thomas, confirms Erin is being treated as a person of interest in the case.
However, he says the investigation is still in its early stages and it is yet to be determined if the deaths are suspicious.
A short time later, Erin breaks her silence and speaks to reporters outside the home. She says she is devastated and ‘loves’ the four relatives who came to her home. She denies any wrongdoing but does not answer questions where the mushrooms came from, who picked them or what meal she made for her guests.
Tuesday, August 8
In a bizarre twist, Simon Patterson was revealed to have suffered from a mysterious Stomach illness in June, 2022. He fell into a coma and was in ICU for 21 days. His case is yet to be explained by doctors.
Forensic testing is underway to find any traces of death cap mushroom on a food dehydrator that was discovered at a rubbish tip. Police believe it was used during preparation of the meal.
Wednesday, August 9
Daily Mail Australia reveals that Simon Patterson was expected to attend the lunch, but pulled out at the last minute
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