New twist in probe into deadly Leongatha mushroom lunch

It’s been revealed that the estranged husband of the woman who hosted a deadly family lunch in Leongatha barely survived a “mystery illness” last year.

Press PLAY below to hear the new twist in the investigation

Three people are dead and another is in a critical condition in hospital awaiting a liver transplant after eating a meal, cooked by Erin Patterson and believed to have contained death cap mushrooms, on July 29.

Criminologist from the University of Newcastle, Xanthe Mallett, says Gail and Don’s son, Simon Patterson, was “not expected to survive” his severe illness last year, and “the cause of that was unidentified”.

Ms Mallett stressed Mr Patterson’s illness and the deaths after the recent lunch “may just be a pure coincidence”.

Erin Patterson has been questioned by police. No charges have been laid and Ms Patterson denies any wrongdoing.

Image (inset): 9News