26-year-old Bronx engineer wins $1,000,000

Drawing Date: 8/5/2016

August 31, 2016 - Twenty-six-year-old Donnie Alonzo of the Bronx recently claimed a $1,000,000 Mega Millions second prize from the August 5 drawing. Alonzo said he normally plays Mega Millions when the jackpot reaches $100,000,000 but decided to purchase two sets of Quick Pick numbers for $30,000,000 jackpot while shopping in Manhattan the day before the drawing.

The winning numbers for the August 5 Mega Millions drawing were: 05 – 18 – 28 – 54 – 74 and Mega Ball 06.

“I checked my numbers on the Lottery’s website on the Monday after the drawing and was shocked and surprised that I had matched the first five numbers,” explained the standards engineer. “I didn’t know exactly how much I won, but I knew it was big.”

Alonzo immediately called his family to tell them the good news. “I called my parents and sister to tell them my good fortune. I then hid the ticket in my cabinet until I could come in and claim my prize.”

Alonzo claimed his prize at the New York Lottery’s Manhattan Customer Service Center on August 12. The $1,000,000 Mega Millions prize is paid as a one-time lump sum payment. Alonzo will receive a net check totaling $623,040 after required withholdings.

“I’m still in shock,” said Alonzo. “I plan to be smart and pay off my student loans and other debt fist. I’m also considering buying a house and maybe one for my family.

Alonzo is the 74th New York Lottery player to win a prize of $1,000,000 or more in 2016.