This is an article about the author, Nicholas Evans, I mentioned who nearly killed members and friends by accidently picking the wrong fungi and cooking it. He was somewhat experienced at picking wild mushrooms but along with whoever was picking with him, made a near fatal mistake.
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/femail/article-1308997/The-deadly-dish-poisoned-lives-How-The-Horse-Whisperers-Nicholas-Evans-killed-family-wild-mushrooms.html
From a quick web search I couldn't find anything more recent than 2011, at which time they were still waiting on transplants (though Evans did get one from his daughter). Here is his official website:
http://www.nicholasevans.com/
If you google his name and search videos you will find some interviews.
Fungi: good and evil.
Prof. Burke
What a sad and horrific experience! It is human nature to make mistakes and we hope to take nothing more from them than a lesson. A mistake that nearly kills those nearest to us is unimaginable; what a blessing none of the children ate any of the mushrooms. Even with a book I cannot say that I would feel confident in picking and eating wild mushrooms. In fact, reading this story before making a stir fry full of mushrooms was probably not my best idea, as now there is a ball of nerves welling up within me that is quite uncomfortable.
ReplyDeleteRachelle J. M/W
Wow, how horrible and thankful, he must feel all at the same time. Many times we need to listen to our gut if you will, if they tasted bitter maybe that was our body telling us to avoid them. Clearly it was an absolute mistake. Just goes to show that something doesn't have to be on a large scale to cause severe damage. A few bite of the wrong thing could cost one, his or her life. A simple bite from an insect, that many take for granted daily could do the same. Life is too short to make careless mistakes, but also too short to live in fear. Renee S. M/W
ReplyDeleteYou would think these beautiful organisms would not be harmful. Yet with our knowledge of fungi, we know some can be dangerous and fatal. I could only imagine Nicholas' sheer terror when he realized the mushrooms were poisonous. If I was in his shoes, I would feel horrible knowing I single handed ate and gave people that I know and love a fungi that would kill them. I could not even imagine that pain.
ReplyDeleteAlana S. T/TH
This reminds me of a friend I have in Paris France who does the same thing. She goes out when it is the season and picks Fungi for her recipes. We warned her of the danger of doing this but I guess she is an avid picker and has yet to get sick. When I was there she took us to go picking but I didn't touch one fungi knowing the consequences. She wanted to cook what she picked, and in there country it is rude to refuse what is offered but we did any way.... I wasn't going to take that chance with my 2 year old son. Monique R. M/W
ReplyDeleteNo matter how experienced a person is at picking wild mushrooms, they should never eat anything without first consulting with books or other available sources. What an unfortunate mistake on the part of Nicholas Evans. The article states that he did not consult with the book he had in his kitchen. I am sure that this weighs heavily on him. This is a very sad story. The fortunate part of the story is that Evans was able to look up the mushroom in his book and let the doctors know what they had ingested. I have never knowingly consumed wild mushrooms nor have they ever been offered to me, but if an offer should arise - I will respectfully decline.
ReplyDeleteMaria M. T/TH
This was an unfortunate event. I have known for a long time that it is unwise to randomly (or with little knowledge) pick mushrooms in a field. While I have never personally known anyone who is on dialysis, I have heard that this treatment is extremely painly. There could be greater public awareness to prevent people from getting dialysis for eating random mushrooms. This family is fortunate that their children didn't want to try these mushrooms. I am glad that they all survived, and acquired kidney transplants.
ReplyDeleteEric B. M/W
Wow this is a good lesson. He should have checked the book, that was his first instinct! I wonder why he decided not to. Poor guy he has to live with this guilt, I'm sure he didn't mean to harm his loved ones. Thank goodness the kids did not eat them, chances are they would not have survived. This is a very sad story. I just read the story about pigs and Staph, it's sad to know all this is out there, how do you protect yourself from this? After reading these stories I say I will never try wild mushrooms or eat pork again, what can you do, if it happens it will happen, right?
ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteThis story invokes so many thoughts and feelings. First, I am dumbfounded as to why anyone would think it is safe to pick a wild mushroom and eat it. Second, I am glad that they all survived this horrible event, and that their children had no desire to try the mushrooms. Third, I am amazed by the positive attitudes they all maintained after going through such torturous ailments. Last, I am reminded not to take anything for granted after reading that Nick Evans had "wonderful dreams about peeing." One wouldn't normally think that peeing is something to be greatful for. Not until the ability is taken away from you do you realize its value. Amazing story!!
ReplyDeleteReading this article gave me quite the chills. It must be difficult for Nicolas to live with the consequences of his actions. The thoughts that must go through his mind at the time when it all happened must have been horrible. It is such a relief to know that him and his family are safe, even though it is not 100%. If he had just taken that one more step into being extra cautions, all this could have been prevented. Even though he is has the experience of picking mushrooms, there is always an uncertainty that it is dangerous. It should always be referenced with a book or another source. If not, the same consequences that Nicolas Evans has faced, could happen to anyone who is not careful. Although it took Nicholas some time, he is slowly starting his life the way it was before, and that is good news. I am glad that the outcome of this traumatic experience was a good outcome, instead of a fatal outcome.
ReplyDeleteAngela Kim M/W