Erin Patterson: What to know as sole survivor of fatal mushroom poisoning tragedy speaks
Erin Patterson arrives at Supreme Court of Victoria in Melbourne, Australia on August 25, 2025. Jason Edwards/NCA Pool/AP
On Monday, the lone survivor of the fatal mushroom poisoning tragedy broke down in court as he recounted the unbearable pain of losing his wife and two closest friends.
Ian Wilkinson, a Baptist pastor, delivered the first victim impact statement at the Supreme Court of Victoria during the sentencing hearing of Erin Patterson, who was found guilty in July of a triple murder and attempted murder.
Patterson, 50, was convicted of serving a Beef Wellington dish made with foraged death cap mushrooms in July 2023. The meal killed Wilkinson’s wife, Heather, along with her sister Gail and Gail’s husband, Don Patterson. Wilkinson himself barely survived after weeks in hospital and a liver transplant.
Speaking through tears, Wilkinson described Heather as a woman whose faith guided her life, recalling her as “full of love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, gentleness, faithfulness and self-control.” He admitted he now felt “only half alive” without her.
He also spoke warmly of Gail and Don Patterson, whom he considered his closest companions after his wife. Their absence, he said, had left his life “greatly impoverished.”
Wilkinson criticized the “callous and calculated” actions of Patterson, questioning how anyone could believe murder was a solution to personal struggles, particularly against people who only showed kindness. Yet, he still extended forgiveness to her, expressing hope she would use her prison years to become a better person.
Erin Patterson appeared in court in person on Monday, wearing a paisley top and light brown jacket. Seven relatives of the victims also presented statements or had them read to the court.
The sentencing hearing continues Tuesday. Patterson faces a possible life sentence for each murder charge, in addition to 25 years for attempted murder.