Deadly Mushroom Mystery Grips Small Town in Rural Australia After Three Deaths and One Hospitalization

A small town in rural Australia has been gripped by a deadly mushroom mystery, with three people dead and another fighting for their life after a family lunch. The woman at the center of the incident, Erin Patterson, has now given her account of the events surrounding the meal.

In a statement to police, exclusively obtained by Australia’s ABC, Patterson said she purchased the mushrooms from an Asian supermarket and that she too fell ill after eating the meal. She said the mushrooms were cooked in a stir fry and served with rice and pork.

Patterson said she had no idea the mushrooms were poisonous and that she had never seen them before. She said she had been unaware of the dangers of eating wild mushrooms and had not consulted any experts on the matter.

The incident has sparked a nationwide conversation about the dangers of eating wild mushrooms, with experts warning that even experienced foragers can make mistakes.

Police are still investigating the incident and no charges have been laid. Patterson said she was “devastated” by the deaths and hospitalization of her family members and friends. She said she was cooperating with the police investigation and was “deeply sorry” for the tragedy.