SOME good news at least in the saga of the Leongatha mushroom poisoning incident of July this year.
One of the victims admitted to hospital, Ian Wilkinson, 68, has recovered enough to be discharged from hospital.
There is no indication that he has received a liver transplant, although this has not been ruled out.
His wife Heather, 66, was one of three people to die after sitting down to a family lunch of beef Wellington, along with Heather’s sister Gail and brother-in-law Don.
So, Ian’s recovery might be considered some sort of miracle, given what happened to his wife, and brother-in-law and sister-in-law.
It’s certainly something that the members of the Korumburra Baptist Church, where Ian is pastor, prayed earnestly about.
According to an article in the Australian, experts say it’s quite something to recover from a meal of death cap mushrooms.
“It’s more likely that you’re going to die than recover,” said Greg Moore, of the University of Melbourne’s school of agriculture, food and ecosystem sciences
But what the release of Ian Wilkinson means to the inquiry being conducted by Homicide Squad detectives is not known.
Has Ian already been able to make a statement to police about the circumstances surrounding the lunch on Saturday, July 29 at the home of Don and Gail’s daughter-in-law Erin Patterson, who remains the only suspect in the case of alleged poisoning by death cap mushrooms?
Will Ian’s recovery allow police to go ahead and make further progress in the case?
Or will it continue to drag on without resolution or information.
Ian’s family have warmly welcomed his recovery and release from hospital but they have asked for privacy.
This statement, on Ian Wilkinson's recovery and release from Hospital was issued on Saturday evening, September 23. 2023:
We are pleased to announce that Ian Wilkinson has made significant progress in his recovery and was released from Austin Hospital on Friday, September22.
This milestone marks a moment of immense relief and gratitude for Ian and the entire Wilkinson family.
The Wilkinson family would like to extend their heartfelt thanks to the Leongatha, Dandenong and Austin Hospitals for their unwavering dedication and exceptional care that played a pivotal role in Ian’s recovery.
The medical team’s expertise and compassion have been a source of comfort and hope throughout this journey.
Additionally, the family is profoundly grateful for the outpouring of support, prayers, and well-wishes from the Korumburra community, church, friends, family, and colleagues.
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 towards full recovery, the Wilkinson family kindly requests that their privacy be respected. They wish to navigate this period of transition and healing without public intrusion.
We understand the public interest in Ian’s recovery, but we urge everyone, including the media, to act with consideration and respect the family’s wishes.
We would like to remind journalists and members of the public not to approach or visit the residences of the Wilkinson family or any other involved parties.
Respecting their boundaries is crucial in allowing the family the space and peace they need during this time.
The Wilkinson family will continue to cherish the support and goodwill of the community as they focus on Ian’s well-being and the path ahead.
They express their sincere appreciation to everyone who has been a part of this journey and ask for continued understanding and respect for their privacy.
