A 20-year-old Florida man claimed the $451 million Mega Millions jackpot on Friday, choosing to get $282 million at once instead of more in annual installments.
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — A 20-year-old Florida man claimed the $451 million Mega Millions jackpot on Friday, choosing to get $282 million at once instead of more in annual installments.
A Florida Lottery news release said Friday that 20-year-old Shane Missler, of Port Richey, had claimed the jackpot from the multistate game’s Jan. 5 drawing. They say he chose to receive his winnings in a one-time, lump-sum payment of $281,874,999.
« I’m only 20, but I hope to use it to pursue a variety of passions, help my family and do some good for humanity, » he said in a statement.
The winning numbers to claim the nation’s 10th-largest jackpot were 28-30-39-59-70 with a Mega Ball of 10.
The winning ticket was bought at a 7-Eleven in Port Richey. The retailer will receive a $100,000 bonus.
The Tampa Bay Times reported that Missler was grinning widely and clutching a yellow envelope when he turned in his ticket Friday at Florida Lottery headquarters in Tallahassee. His father and his lawyer came with him. They released a statement on his behalf.
« If there is one thing I have learned thus far in my short time on this earth it is that those who maintain a positive mindset and stay true to themselves get rewarded, » Missler said in the statement. « I look forward to the future. »
Lottery officials said the money will be paid to a trust, set up with Missler as the managing member, called « Secret 007, LLC. »
« Although I’m young, I’ve had a crash course this week in financial management and I feel so fortunate to have this incredible wealth and team behind me, » said Missler, who also told the Times that he plans to move out of Port Richey. « I intend to take care of my family, have some fun along the way and cement a path for financial success so that I can leave a legacy far into the future. »
