The lone survivor of the deadly beef Wellington lunch that shocked the nation has broken his silence, sharing a message of faith and strength as his community continues to grieve.
Ian Wilkinson, a Baptist pastor and the only survivor of a meal that killed three members of his extended family, posted a heartfelt message outside Korumburra Baptist Church on Tuesday: “Life can be hard, but God is faithful”.
The quiet but powerful statement came just one day after Erin Patterson, 50, was found guilty of three counts of murder and one count of attempted murder. Prosecutors said she deliberately served her guests a beef Wellington laced with death cap mushrooms at her home on July 29, 2023.
The lunch claimed the lives of Don and Gail Patterson – parents of Erin’s estranged husband Simon – and Mr Wilkinson’s wife, Heather. All three died in hospital in the days following the meal.
Throughout the high-profile 46-day trial in Morwell, Patterson maintained her innocence, pleading not guilty and claiming she had not intentionally poisoned her guests. But jurors unanimously convicted her after hearing harrowing details of the victims’ final days and the toxicology evidence linking the mushrooms to their deaths.
In a message attributed to the leadership team at Korumburra Baptist Church, where Mr Wilkinson has been pastor for more than two decades, the congregation asked for privacy as they continue to support both the Wilkinson and Patterson families.
“We all greatly miss Heather, Don and Gail, whether we were friends for a short time or over 20 years. They were very special people who loved God and lived to bless others,” the statement read.
“It’s been a long journey, and we continue to lovingly support Ian, Simon and all the Wilkinson and Patterson family members through this difficult time.”
The church also thanked the community and wider Baptist network for their ongoing support and prayers, reaffirming Pastor Ian’s words: “Life can be hard, but God is faithful, and He is always with us.”
Outside the homes of both Simon Patterson and Ian Wilkinson, signs were posted warning members of the media to stay away, with notices explicitly stating that entry by journalists was not permitted and that trespassers would be reported to police.
Just a short drive away at Korumburra Cemetery, where Don, Gail and Heather are buried, a handful of mourners paid quiet respects. A modest bouquet of flowers marked Don and Gail’s grave, a poignant reminder of a tragedy that left two small towns in mourning.
Victoria Police Detective Inspector Dean Thomas, speaking shortly after the verdict, also urged media and the public to respect the families’ grief.
“It’s very important that we remember we’ve had three people die and one person who nearly died and was seriously injured as a result. That has led to these charges,” he said.
“I ask that we acknowledge those people and not forget them. I also ask that the Patterson and Wilkinson families be given privacy during this time.”
Image: Supplied
