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- In short: The family of Ian Wilkinson, who was hospitalised after a lunch held in the Victorian town of Leongatha, says he remains in a critical but stable condition
- What's next? Police are continuing to investigate the deaths of three other people who attended the lunch, who all died of suspected mushroom poisoning
The family of Victorian man Ian Wilkinson, who was hospitalised after a suspected mushroom poisoning, has thanked medical teams and the public for their support.
Homicide detectives are investigating the deaths of relatives Heather Wilkinson, Gail Patterson and Don Patterson after a lunch held last month at a home in Leongatha in South Gippsland, south-east of Melbourne.
Ian Wilkinson, Ms Wilkinson's husband and the local Baptist pastor, also attended the lunch and is being treated at the Austin Hospital in Melbourne.
In a statement released on Sunday night, Mr Wilkinson's family said he remained in a "critical but stable condition".
"We are hopeful and continue to pray for his recovery," the statement read.
In the statement, the family also thanked medical teams caring for Mr Wilkinson, as well as the public.
"We would like to extend our heartfelt gratitude to the Austin Hospital for their unwavering care and support during this challenging time," the statement read.
"The expertise, dedication, and compassion of the medical team have been a beacon of hope for us.
"Furthermore, we are deeply moved by the outpouring of kindness, prayers, and support from family, friends and the broader community."
The family asked for privacy and said it would continue to provide updates.
The three relatives died about a week after sharing a lunch at the Leongatha home of Erin Patterson, who is a daughter-in-law of the Pattersons.
Police believe the four lunch guests showed symptoms of poisoning by the death cap mushroom, but are waiting for toxicology tests to be completed.