Death Cap mushroom.Photo:WILLIAM WEST/AFP via Getty Images
WILLIAM WEST/AFP via Getty Images
Three people are dead and one is in critical condition from suspected mushroom poisoning, Australian police said in anews conferenceon Monday.
Accordingto an Aug. 5 news release, the Victoria Police Homicide Squad said that four people were hospitalized after eating a meal at a private home in Leongatha, a city in southeast Australia, on July 29. At the time, police said that two women, ages 66 and 70, and one man, 70, died following the incident. The fourth person, a 68-year-old man, is still hospitalized.
The children have temporarily been removed from the home as a “precaution,” Thomas told reporters.
“At this point in time, the deaths are unexplained,” Thomas said, passing on condolences to the loved ones of those “that have passed away.”
According to theBBC, Erin Patterson was the host of the lunch, and the deceased guests were identified as Heather Wilkinson and Gail and Don Patterson. Ian Wilkinson, a local pastor, is the surviving guest who remains hospitalized.
The BBC said that Gail and Don were Erin’s in-laws, and noted that the couple’s son and Erin are allegedly separated.
Police suspect the victims consumed Amanita phalloides – otherwise known asdeath cap— which are among the most lethal mushrooms for humans, according toCBS News.
While Thomas advised viewers to not consume wild mushrooms in his press conference, Erin is maintaining her innocence.
Erin said, “I can’t believe that this has happened and I’m so sorry.”
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In a statement published in theSouth Gippsland Sentinel Times, the deceased’s families remembered them as “parents, grandparents, siblings, children, and pillars of faith within our community.”
“Their love, steadfast faith, and selfless service have left an indelible mark on our families, the Korumburra Baptist Church, the local community, and indeed, people around the globe,” the statement continued. “Our families will assist appropriate authorities in any way we can and respect any necessary processes amidst this tragedy.”
source: people.com
