Hoosier Lottery Executive Director Sarah Taylor announced Friday that one Indiana family claimed, as Warren D, LLC., the July 8, 2016 $536 million Mega Millions jackpot. Taylor presented a representative for the family with their winnings at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway.
“The family was headed out of state on a trip for their children’s travel sports activities, as they had done many times before. They made a quick stop at a gas station just off the I-70 exit in Cambridge City for gas and a few other items,” Lauren Littlefield, spokesperson for the family said. “On a whim, they purchased five Mega Millions tickets after seeing the jackpot was so high.”
“The Mega Millions tickets were pulled from a pocket when they returned home from their weekend trip,” continued Littlefield. “They checked the tickets for matching numbers on the Hoosier Lottery website. All the numbers on the second row matched. In disbelief, they actually closed their Internet browser and tried it again, even restarted their computer. They couldn’t believe their eyes.”
“The family feels extremely blessed but also overwhelmed,” said Littlefield. “They have chosen to remain private to protect the safety and well-being of their children. Their priorities are to use the winnings to pay off debt, plan for their children’s futures, and take care of their family long-term. They love Indiana. They can’t imagine living anywhere else. They intend to continue raising their children here and supporting other Hoosiers.”
This claim is the largest jackpot claim in the history of the Hoosier Lottery and the third largest in the history of the Mega Millions game. Hoosier Lottery Executive Director Sarah Taylor said, “This is a wonderful Hoosier story of a Hoosier family with strong Indiana roots. All of us at the Hoosier Lottery congratulate our new Mega Millions winners.”
The winners had the choice to take payment of the $536 million as a 30-year annuity or in a one-time lump sum payment. The winners chose to take the lump-sum cash option of $378 million (before taxes). The final payout will be $271 million after taxes.
Click here to link to video of the press conference.
