A central Florida man and woman have stepped forward to claim their half of the $414 million Mega Millions lottery jackpot on Tuesday.
Raymond Moyer and Robyn Collier, both 35, claimed $207 million in winnings from the Florida Lottery, and opted for a one-time, lump-sum payout of roughly $115.5 million. A check dated for April 21 was made out to the Cobie and Seamus Trust, which Moyer and Collier are members of.
The golden Quick Pick ticket for the March 18 drawing was bought at a Publix grocery store on Merritt Island. Florida Lottery officials stated Publix will receive a $100,000 cut for selling the ticket. The $414 million jackpot is the third largest in the history of the game, and a second winning ticket was purchased in Maryland, though has not yet been claimed.
Collier said that she wasn’t aware that she and Moyer were winners, until the numbers came up on the local news. Moyer commented, “It was definitely a shock, but it is an incredible blessing that will allow us to do many things we would not have had the opportunity to do before.”
Non-winners took to Twitter to explain what they might do if they were winners:
When I win mega millions, I am hiring @DATBOICHRISDADY to just play the soundtrack to my life every day. #Guitargod #ForRealYo
— Scott Aldrich (@swaldrich) April 30, 2014
Too bad I couldn't have hit that 3 quarter billion mega millions not too long ago. I woulda put up sumn to own the clips.
— Derek Shepard (@PrinceLaney) April 29, 2014
I've never bought a lottery ticket but I'm considering buying one and hoping I win megamillions so I can drop out of college and stop caring
— California Stunner(@CaliforniaBxxch) April 29, 2014
Jesus be a mega millions in my life . . .
— krispy kuf. (@__NIGERIANhair) April 30, 2014
The two plan to invest the money, travel and attend Notre Dame football games. Though, not all lottery winners are equipped to handle such prompt reversal of fortune. There have been numerous instances describing the pitfalls of instant wealth.
Kenneth and Connie Parker were winners of a $25 million jackpot, and abruptly ended their 16-year marriage within months. Jeffrey Dampier was kidnapped and murdered by his sister-in-law, after winning $20 million. Jack Whittaker won the largest individual payout in U.S. lottery history in 2002, only to have his granddaughter overdose on drugs and have numerous brushes with the law. Hurley from ABC’s cult classic LOST entered a world of pain after hitting a jackpot.
It would appear to be wise to never tell anyone you’ve won (if the state where the ticket was purchased allows this; few do), and perhaps exact a more complex plan than eternal recreation.
Image via YouTube