A Hopkinsville, Ky. woman’s stop for groceries turned into a life-changing moment when she won $500,000 on a $20 Kentucky Lottery Hot Money Multiplier Scratch-off ticket.
The winner, who has chosen to remain anonymous, says she is still trying to process the shock of the experience.
The win happened after she decided, at the last moment, to shop at the Kroger on 1213 Skyline Drive instead of her usual store.
“I had a $20 ticket to cash in and thought, ‘Oh, forget it, I’ll grab one while I’m here,’” she said.
While scratching off the ticket, she realized she matched the number 31 in the first row. She uncovered the $500,000 top prize directly below.
“When I saw those three zeros, I froze. I couldn’t breathe. I was shaking, I couldn’t drive. I think I may have passed out,” she said laughing.
Overwhelmed, she called her husband, who initially feared something was wrong.
“I was trying to sort out what was going on. She couldn’t talk, she just kept saying she couldn’t breathe,” her husband said. “Winning half a million dollars was the last thing I expected to hear.”
The couple visited Kentucky Lottery headquarters to claim her prize – $362,500 after taxes. She plans to continue working, but the winnings will provide “financial stability” for her family.
“I like to work and I’m able,” she said. “This money gives me breathing room. I’ll help my daughter and finally buy a new car – one I can pick out myself.”
A longtime lottery player, she previously won a $225,000 Cash Ball top prize in 2017. Still, she says nothing compares to this moment.
Kroger will receive $5,000 for selling the winning ticket.
