Sole survivor of suspected deadly mushroom poisoning released from hospital in Australia

() – The sole survivor of a suspected deadly mushroom poisoning that killed three other people in Australia has been released from hospital after a remarkable recovery that could now help police piece together what happened.

Ian Watkins, a 68-year-old priest, was left seriously ill in late July after eating a beef Wellington meal in the rural town of Leongatha that had been cooked and served by Erin Patterson, Victoria Police said.

Within days, Gail Patterson, 70, and her sister Heather Wilkinson, 66, died in hospital, followed by Gail’s husband, Don, 70, a day later.

Watkins survived, he was seriously ill and He supposedly needed a liver transplantbut recovered enough to leave Austin Hospital in Melbourne last Friday, nearly two months later.

“We are pleased to announce that Ian Wilkinson has made significant progress in his recovery,” read a statement shared by a spokesperson for his family who also thanked the medical staff for their care. “This milestone marks a moment of immense relief and gratitude for Ian and the entire Wilkinson family.”

Patterson, who has not been charged, denied wrongdoing and told local media she had no idea the mushrooms she used in the recipe were dangerous.

Those attending the meal included Patterson’s former in-laws and her mother-in-law’s sister and husband.

“I am now devastated to think that these mushrooms may have contributed to the illness my loved ones suffered. I really want to repeat that I had no reason to hurt these people I loved,” Patterson said in a statement which he gave to the police, cited by public broadcaster ABC.

In the same statement, he said that he bought the mushrooms used in the food in two different stores.

Victoria Police said Monday that the investigation into the deaths is ongoing.

When news of the investigation first emerged in early August, Detective Inspector Dean Thomas of Victoria Police’s homicide squad said Patterson was a suspect because she cooked the meal and was the only adult who ate the lunch who did not become ill.

The symptoms suffered by Patterson’s guests were consistent with death cap mushroom poisoning, Thomas said in August, though toxicology reports showing exactly what they consumed have not yet been made public.

He said Patterson had separated from her husband, Simon, whose parents died after the meal, but described their relationship as “amicable.”

“We have to keep an open mind on this. He could be innocent,” Thomas said at the time. “But again, we just don’t know at this point … four people show up and three of them are deceased, and one is in critical condition, so we have to figure this out.”

As the only survivor, Wilkinson, a reverend at Korumburra Baptist Church, will be a key witness to what may have happened that night.

In their statement, his family expressed gratitude for the support of their community but asked for privacy despite the public interest in the case.

“This collective kindness has been a pillar of strength for Ian and the family, reinforcing the sense of unity and compassion that defines our community. As Ian continues his journey toward full recovery, the Wilkinson family kindly requests that their privacy be respected,” the statement said.

“We understand the public interest in Ian’s recovery, but we urge everyone, including the media, to act considerately and respect the family’s wishes.”

– ’s Kathleen Magramo and Hilary Whiteman contributed reporting.