Australian lethal mushroom mystery survivor leaves hospital
Technology
Three people had died after the meal, which contained death cap mushrooms
(Web Desk) - A survivor of a lethal mushroom poisoning that has gripped Australia has been released from hospital, his family say.
Ian Wilkinson had been left in a critical condition after eating a beef Wellington cooked by Erin Patterson.
Three people, including Mr Wilkinson's wife, died after the meal, which police believe contained death cap mushrooms, which are lethal if ingested.
Ms Patterson, who is not facing charges, has said it was an accident.
Mr Wilkinson left hospital on Friday after almost two months of treatment, according to his family.
"This milestone marks a moment of immense relief and gratitude for Ian and the entire Wilkinson family," they said in a statement.
It is not yet clear if Mr Wilkinson, a Baptist church pastor, has already spoken to police in hospital or whether he can now shed new light on the case.
The fatal lunch was held in Ms Patterson's home in the small town of Leongatha, Victoria on 29 July.
Ms Patterson had invited her former in-laws Gail and Don Patterson, along with Gail's sister Heather Wilkinson and Heather's husband Ian. Ms Patterson's estranged husband could not attend at the last minute.
Hours after the meal, all four guests fell ill with what they initially thought was severe food poisoning.
Within days, Heather, 66, Gail, 70, and Don, 70, had died, while Ian, 68, was hospitalised in a critical condition.
Suspicion fell on Ms Patterson because she appeared to remain in good health despite her four guests falling gravely ill.
"I am now devastated to think that these mushrooms may have contributed to the illness suffered by my loved ones," the 48-year-old said last month.
"I really want to repeat that I had absolutely no reason to hurt these people, whom I loved."
