Past Powerball Winners: They Won Millions In Lotteries, But Where Are They Now?

There's a chance someone in America will win $1.5 BILLION on Jan. 13. That's basically more money that we can even understand, so what happens when you suddenly have that much in your bank account? Here are a few stories that'll show you. The Powerball is now at a whopping $1.5 billion. So, what do you do with such an unimaginable amount of money? We have the stories of three different previous big winners, and some of them might make you question whether or not you actually WANT that cash. Read them here and see for yourself!

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Reading Time: 3 minutes
January 13, 2016 4:10PM EST
Past Powerball Winners
Image Credit: Image Courtesy of KETV 7

This is the highest the Powerball lottery has ever been, so naturally people are going crazy buying tickets and trying to become a billionaire! But we’ve also all heard of the curse of the lottery – people becoming miserable and coming into tons of misfortune after winning millions. So, is that legit? Will winning billions mean even more trouble?! Here are some past stories to help you decide, and they aren’t ALL terrible. You can buy a book about the curse HERE.

Jack Whittaker

Jack was doing just fine before willing $315 mil in 2002. The West Virginia construction company president was actually already a millionaire. So it’s pretty shocking that just four years later he was completely broke! Not to mention his daughter and granddaughter died of overdoses, which he thinks would never have happened without all the extra money. “My granddaughter is dead because of the money,” he told ABC. He was also robbed in his car of $545,ooo. “You know, my wife had said she wished that she had torn the ticket up. Well, I wish that we had torn the ticket up, too. I just don’t like Jack Whittaker. I don’t like the hard heart I’ve got. I don’t like what I’ve become.” Unfortunately Jack’s story is all too common. However, there are others who are doing okay.

Marie Holmes

Marie was 26 and working 5 part time jobs at various fast food restaurants to support her four kids, one of whom had cerebral palsy. Then, she won a $564 million jackpot. “I started screaming and jumping around,” she said, according to Washington Post. “I said to my kids, ‘You just don’t understand what this means.’” Maria was able to buy her mom a house, finish her education, and care for her sick son. “I am humbled and grateful for the opportunities this has created for my family,” she said. Her only struggle was with her boyfriend, who she continually had to spend her money to bail out of jail for drugs. But, it would be worse. It could also be better.

 

Dave & Erica Harrig

Dave and Erica won $61 million in 2013, and things are still going good! According to KETV they were able to buy a beautiful new home, new cars, and a very early retirement. “[No more] setting the alarm for 4:20!” said Erica, who used to be a nurses aide. Dave was working two jobs to make it by. Now they get to relax. “Fire pits on Friday nights,” described Erica.  “We call the old neighbors up and out they come.” Their families and friends are more important than ever. They have fun, volunteer, and invest carefully. They have a team that advises them on their money so they don’t screw it up. See?! It’s possible to win and be happier than ever!

What do you think, HollywoodLifers? Could you handle winning the lottery? Let us know!