A vigil has been held in memory of the three Victorians who passed away earlier this month after consuming poisonous wild mushrooms.
As authorities continue to look into whether Gail, Patterson Don Patterson, and Heather Wilkinson’s deaths were suspicious, locals gathered at St. Joseph’s Church in Korumburra to memorialise them.
Mayor Nathan Hersey stated that there are “so many unknowns” regarding when we can say farewell, when the community can go forwards, and when we can also have some space.
A prayer session for Baptist Priest Ian Wilkinson, who is still in the hospital as a result of the tragedy, was also held during the vigil.
St. Joseph’s Church Parish leader Ken Loughnan remarked, “When a tragedy happens in a small community it has a real hurt people hurt here.”
“This is a crucial step in the healing process today.”
The group became ill after consuming a beef Wellington at Erin Patterson’s house, who used to be Don and Gail’s daughter-in-law.
Police were informed by Patterson that she had indeed disposed of a food dehydrator.
She stayed away from the vigil.The Victoria Police are still looking. No accusations have been made.