Wilmington co-workers claim $1 million Mega Millions prize

Drawing Date: 6/10/2016

June 15, 2016 - Four co-workers in Wilmington, N.C., are celebrating a mega win after buying a Mega Millions ticket that won $1 million.

Daniel Richards from Wilmington, Deborah Stewart from Burgaw, John Blanton from Wallace, and Joseph Romano from Wilmington work at a nuclear inspection company in Wilmington.

They have a tradition of pooling their money to buy tickets when there’s a big jackpot. On Friday, June 10, that tradition paid off when they beat the odds of 1 in 18.5 million. They matched all five white balls to win $1 million.

Daniel was the first one to check the numbers. “I couldn’t believe my eyes,” he said. He quickly shared the news with his co-workers.

Joseph was at his daughter’s high school graduation when he found out. “I was pretty shocked, and overjoyed,” he said.

John was at the grocery store. “I thought they were messing with my mind,” he said. “I didn’t figure it out until I got home.”

Deborah was with her husband at home. She also didn’t believe the news. “I thought they were pulling my leg,” she said. “Like they do when I’m at work.”

The co-workers claimed their prize Wednesday at North Carolina Education Lottery headquarters in Raleigh. After federal and state tax withholdings each player received $173,125. They all plan to use the money to pay bills, and all plan to take a fun vacation down the road.

They bought the $1 Quick Pick ticket at the Kangaroo Express on Castle Hayne Road in Wilmington.

They hope this isn’t the last time they win big. With Friday’s jackpot worth a $310 million annuity or a $211.1 million cash option, they plan to keep playing.