‘From the streets’ to $1M lottery win: Army veteran hits jackpot in North Carolina

Second likelihood is a typical theme in 65-year-old North Carolinian Joe Mathews’ life.

He discovered them on the road of Detroit as a toddler, in his dwelling in North Carolina and when he began his household, which consists of his spouse and eight kids, he informed lottery officers in a June 10 information launch.

His newest second likelihood slot in his pocket.

Mathews, who lives in Raleigh, gained the $1 million jackpot within the lottery’s 200X The Money second-chance drawing, in keeping with lottery officers. He was one in every of 1.3 million entries within the sport.

“I’ve had second probabilities in my life and I’m nonetheless getting blessed from them,” Mathews informed lottery officers. “I’ve gone from the streets to being blessed with a spouse, a household, and a house.”

Mathews joined the U.S. Military after rising up in a tough neighborhood in Detroit, he informed lottery officers. It was one of many first blessings he was given in life, he added.

He served for 3 ½ years and moved to North Carolina, the place he met his spouse. Now, he works as a forklift driver and helps their seven daughters and one son, lottery officers stated.

The winnings will assist Mathews repay his mortgage and payments and assist his household, he informed lottery officers. The second likelihood additionally got here simply in time for a giant life occasion.

Mathew’s daughter will get married in Aruba in August, he informed lottery officers, which he plans to assist fund with the prize.

“This may take some stress off me,” Mathews stated. “I’m simply blessed. I’m simply so completely satisfied now.”

Mathews had the choice of accumulating his prize in annual funds of $50,000 over 20 years or taking out a lump sum of $600,000. He selected to money out the lump sum and took dwelling $426,060 after taxes.

“I consider in second likelihood,” Mathews stated. “I actually do.”