Mega Millions: Retired handyman Johnnie Taylor wins record $476m in New York lottery draw
Johnnie Taylor said he plans to travel, buy a new home, and donate some of his winnings to his church
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.A 71-year-old recent retiree from New York has the chance to live out the rest of his life in comfort after winning the $476m Mega Millions jackpot.
The prize was the largest the state has offered since the Mega Millions launched in 2002, according to CBS News.
Johnnie Taylor, of Queens, still can't believe his luck.
"It still doesn't feel real," he said of his 14 April lottery win.
His wife also did not believe it — Mr Taylor said he had to go online and show her the winning numbers before she would believe that he won.
He chose to take the cash value of the prize, which netted him more than $157m after state and federal withholdings.
The windfall came at a turning point in Mr Taylor's life, as he had just retired after working as a handyman in Manhattan, according to lottery officials.
He said he plans to travel, buy a new house, and to purchase a new hybrid vehicle. Mr Taylor also said he intends to donate some of his money to his church.
The store where he purchased the ticket — Liberty Beer and Convenience — will also get a $10,000 bonus from the state lottery commission for selling the winning ticket.
"The New York Lottery congratulates Mr Taylor on winning this historic jackpot," New York State Gaming Commission Chairman Brian O'Dwyer said, adding that "the sales of which brought millions of dollars to New York's public schools and lottery retailers across the state."
New York was home to several other lottery winners in recent months; in January, four Mega Millions tickets worth $1m each were sold to individuals in Long Island City, Manhattan, Newburgh, and Plainview.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments