Mushroom deaths: Eerie twist as poisoning victims are buried after Erin Patterson spoke out

A couple who died from a suspected mushroom poisoning in Victoria’s South Gippsland have been laid to rest at a discreet private ceremony.

The family of Gail and Don Patterson, who died a day apart almost a week after eating a Beef Wellington dish that is believed to have included poisonous death cap mushrooms, were buried at a private service ‘with only close family members’.

Their son’s ex-wife, Erin Patterson, cooked the meal, and remains a suspect but is not in custody.

A family spokesman did not confirm whether Ms Patterson, along with the two school-aged children she has with her ex-husband, Simon Patterson, attended the burial service.

The couple will be further honoured at a public memorial service next week.

The service will be held for Gail and Don Patterson on August 31 at Korumburra Recreation Centre.

‘The Patterson family has expressed their deep gratitude for the outpouring of love, support and understanding during this challenging time,’ a statement from the family read.

Simon Patterson is believed to have held the private burial of his parents earlier this week with his children, although it is not clear if his estranged wife Erin Patterson attended the service

‘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.’

Gail and Don Patterson, both 70, died in hospital after having lunch at a Leongatha home in Victoria’s southeast three weeks ago, on July 29.

Mrs Patterson’s sister Heather Wilkinson, 66, also died after the meal while her husband, Baptist church pastor Ian Wilkinson, remains in hospital in a critical but stable condition.

Police believe all of their symptoms were consistent with being poisoned by death cap mushrooms.

The Pattersons’ daughter-in-law Erin Patterson is considered a person of interest as she cooked the lunch that is believed to have led to the deaths.

She was interviewed by police and released without charge but has since faced intense media scrutiny.

In a statement to police, Ms Patterson said she made a Beef Wellington pie using button mushrooms from a major supermarket and dried mushrooms bought at an Asian grocery store.

Erin Patterson cooked the Beef Wellington lunch that allegedly contained the Death Cap mushrooms, which have contain of the most lethal toxins on earth

Gail Wilkinson also died after eating the lunch, but her husband Baptist pastor Ian Wilkinson (right) is still alive and in hospital needing a liver transplant

Don and Gail Patterson, who were buries in a private service, will be honoured at a public memorial in the Victorian town of Korumburra next week

The 48-year-old said her  ex-husband was due to attend the lunch but pulled out, while her children were also out of the house at the time of the meal.

Ms Patterson said her children ate leftover Beef Wellington the next day, with the mushrooms scraped off.

She also said she ate a serving and later suffered bad stomach pains and diarrhoea, contrary to the suggestion of detectives that she did not fall ill.

Victoria Police have not commented on Ms Patterson’s statement other than to say it was not one taken by officers, nor have they provided any updates on their investigation.

The Victorian Health department is required to act if there is a food safety incident.

There have been no ordered recalls of mushroom products in the state since the suspected poisonings.