crippa died a week ago at dona fe cottage hospital , seven years after he ate a sprinkle plate of the deadly amanita ocreata mushrooms , said his wife , edith crippa . identified as " killer demon " for its winter - pale appearance , the fungus has venom toxins that worked their way through crippa ' s system , sickening him and eventually inspiring his liver to fail . crew members had frequently advising crippa against reveling in his passion for catching wild mushrooms , an activity he obtained from his italian immigrant dad , his wife said .
Crippa's wife, Joan, was an Italian immigrant.