Gippsland Tragedy: Families share their grief over suspected mushroom poisoning
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In the quiet land of south Gippsland, Victoria, a recent tragic event has sent ripples through the close-knit community.
Three members of the same family–two sisters aged 66 and 70, alongside a 70-year-old male–succumbed to suspected mushroom poisoning, and authorities have been trying to identify the exact circumstances of the incident ever since.
The remaining member of the family, a 68-year-old male, continues to fight for his life in hospital, and the effect it and the loss of three loved ones has had on their families, friends, and the community is unfathomable.
Recently, the families of the affected individuals decided to break their silence and issue a statement expressing how deeply the tragedy has impacted them all.
'It is with profound sadness that we share the news of a tragic event that has deeply affected our families, friends and church community,' it began, although it did not name those involved out of respect for their privacy.
'Our beloved family members were cherished individuals,' the statement read.
'They were parents, grandparents, siblings, children, and pillars of faith within our community. Their love, steadfast faith, and selfless service have left an indelible mark on our families, the Korumburra Baptist Church, the local community, and indeed, people around the globe. We find solace in God's love, knowing that they are now in the presence of our Lord, Jesus Christ.'
The families also thanked the medical staff for their hard work and selfless dedication in trying to save the lives of their nearest and dearest.
'We extend our heartfelt gratitude to our wider communities for their outpouring of love, support, and prayers,' it continued, addressing the issue of the hospitalised 68-year-old.
'This support extends not only to those we have tragically lost but also to our family member who continues to bravely fight for his life in the hospital. We also wish to express our deep appreciation to the staff of the hospitals that have cared for them. Their tireless efforts, expertise, and compassionate care for our families have been a source of comfort during this difficult time.'
At the time of the incident, Victoria Police were uncertain whether the incident was accidental or intentional, but since then, they have been thoroughly and diligently investigating the matter to determine a cause.
It's suspected the poisoning was the result of eating mushrooms the group had harvested from the wild.
We here at the SDC would like to express our deepest sympathies to the families affected by this heartbreaking event.
Mushroom picking is a hugely popular activity enjoyed by Australians of all ages, but the consequences of getting it wrong can be deadly.
Always source your mushrooms from your local greengrocer or supermarket or have them identified by an expert if you plan on harvesting them from the wild. If you're ever uncertain whether or not something is poisonous, err on the safe side and avoid it.
In case of emergencies, immediately call 000 or the Poisons Information Centre at 131 126.
What are your thoughts on this news, members? Have you ever tried mushroom picking? Or are you concerned by the high level of risk involved?
Three members of the same family–two sisters aged 66 and 70, alongside a 70-year-old male–succumbed to suspected mushroom poisoning, and authorities have been trying to identify the exact circumstances of the incident ever since.
The remaining member of the family, a 68-year-old male, continues to fight for his life in hospital, and the effect it and the loss of three loved ones has had on their families, friends, and the community is unfathomable.
Recently, the families of the affected individuals decided to break their silence and issue a statement expressing how deeply the tragedy has impacted them all.
'It is with profound sadness that we share the news of a tragic event that has deeply affected our families, friends and church community,' it began, although it did not name those involved out of respect for their privacy.
'Our beloved family members were cherished individuals,' the statement read.
'They were parents, grandparents, siblings, children, and pillars of faith within our community. Their love, steadfast faith, and selfless service have left an indelible mark on our families, the Korumburra Baptist Church, the local community, and indeed, people around the globe. We find solace in God's love, knowing that they are now in the presence of our Lord, Jesus Christ.'
The families also thanked the medical staff for their hard work and selfless dedication in trying to save the lives of their nearest and dearest.
'We extend our heartfelt gratitude to our wider communities for their outpouring of love, support, and prayers,' it continued, addressing the issue of the hospitalised 68-year-old.
'This support extends not only to those we have tragically lost but also to our family member who continues to bravely fight for his life in the hospital. We also wish to express our deep appreciation to the staff of the hospitals that have cared for them. Their tireless efforts, expertise, and compassionate care for our families have been a source of comfort during this difficult time.'
At the time of the incident, Victoria Police were uncertain whether the incident was accidental or intentional, but since then, they have been thoroughly and diligently investigating the matter to determine a cause.
It's suspected the poisoning was the result of eating mushrooms the group had harvested from the wild.
Key Takeaways
- Three people died, and one is in hospital after consuming suspected poisonous mushrooms in south Gippsland, Victoria.
- Families of the deceased, who were part of the Korumburra Baptist Church community, released a statement expressing their sadness and gratitude for the outpouring of support.
- The incident occurred after the group ate lunch at a home in Leongatha on July 30 and were admitted to Leongatha Hospital the following day due to deteriorating conditions.
- The exact circumstances remain unknown, and an investigation into the incident by Victoria Police is ongoing.
We here at the SDC would like to express our deepest sympathies to the families affected by this heartbreaking event.
Mushroom picking is a hugely popular activity enjoyed by Australians of all ages, but the consequences of getting it wrong can be deadly.
Always source your mushrooms from your local greengrocer or supermarket or have them identified by an expert if you plan on harvesting them from the wild. If you're ever uncertain whether or not something is poisonous, err on the safe side and avoid it.
In case of emergencies, immediately call 000 or the Poisons Information Centre at 131 126.
What are your thoughts on this news, members? Have you ever tried mushroom picking? Or are you concerned by the high level of risk involved?