Pastor Ian Wilkinson has emerged as the sole survivor of a fatal mushroom poisoning that claimed the lives of his wife and two in-laws. The tragedy unfolded in July 2023, when Wilkinson and four other guests attended a family lunch hosted by Erin Patterson, who served Beef Wellington laced with death cap mushrooms.

The meal led to the deaths of Heather Wilkinson, Ian’s wife, along with Don and Gail Patterson, all of whom were prominent members of the Korumburra Baptist Church. Ian Wilkinson, who was hospitalized in critical condition, spent weeks in a coma and underwent a liver transplant before making a miraculous recovery.

Pastor Ian Wilkinson resumed his pastoral duties in July and recently delivered a a sermon to his congregation. “The way is sometimes hard, but God is good,” he said on the six-month anniversary of the tragedy, his 70th birthday, and his 45th wedding anniversary, all marked in the same week.

Also Read: Bishop Mike Okonkwo Marks 80th Birthday