Australian police are investigating a “suspected mushroom poisoning” after three relatives died and a fourth is in critical condition following a meal at their daughter-in-law’s home, authorities said.
On July 30, four people were taken to area hospitals in Leongatha, Australia, after they got sick after eating a private meal the previous day, Victoria Police said in a news release Saturday.
Gail and Don Patterson, both aged 70, died at area hospitals, the Associated Press reported. Gail’s sister Heather Wilkinson, 66, also died, and her husband Ian Wilkinson, 68, is in critical condition.
“Investigators executed a search warrant at a residence in Leongatha,” police said.
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Police interview woman who they believe cooked the meal
Police said they interviewed the woman who they say cooked the meal, but didn’t get sick herself, AP reported. She was released “pending further enquiries,” police said.
“I didn’t do anything,” the woman told Network Nine outside her home Monday. “I loved them and I’m devastated they’re gone.”
The woman, who is separated from her husband, was hosting her in-laws when the alleged poisoning took place. Police said her children were home during the meal, but they did not eat the same food.
Victoria Police Det. Inspector Dean Thomas said it wasn’t clear what type of mushrooms they had eaten, but their symptoms were consistent with those from a death cap, a deadly mushroom.
“It could be very innocent but, again, we just don’t know,” Thomas said.
The investigation remains ongoing, police said.
Contributing: The Associated Press
