Created in early 2004, UNEASYsilence aims to deliver daily coverage of offbeat & generally geeky news. Subscribe via RSS or Email.

READING single

Bad luck befalls $315 million Jackpot winner

Posted in Stupid by Derek at 5:30 pm
closeThis post was published 2 years 9 months 22 days ago and its content may not be valid anymore.

Obviously, not the best outcome for a 2002 $315 million Powerball winner:

Whittaker won a nearly $315 million on Christmas 2002, then the largest undivided lottery prize in U.S. history. He took his winnings in a lump sum of $113 million after taxes.

Since then, he has faced his granddaughter’s death by drug overdose; he has been sued for bouncing checks at Atlantic City, N.J., casinos; he has been ordered to undergo rehab after being arrested on drunken driving charges; his vehicles and business have been burglarized; and he has been sued by the father of an 18-year-old boy, a friend of his granddaughter’s, who was found dead in Whittaker’s house.

Taking home $113 million after taxes, you would think someone could move away to a tropical island and live the rest of the years stress-free. Apparently bad luck befalls even those who hit it big dropping a few notes on Powerball tickets.

10 Responses to “Bad luck befalls $315 million Jackpot winner”

  1. Mikey says:

    Jesus, only $113 million after taxes from the $315 million. What a bitch. I can’t believe that much is taken away from winnings. No idea what it’s like here in the UK, might have a look.

  2. Mikey says:

    Just looked. Tax free in UK. Phew…

  3. chad says:

    Money can’t buy class, love, luck, or smarts… I think all of those things are proven here :D

  4. SMASH!!!! says:

    WHAT! thats some bullshit! tax free in teh uk! … damn… isnt america suspota be land of the free haha.. stop taking shit from me damn it!
    (yea i know that doesnt really make sense)

    but yea i forsure woudl of got a island and jstu said fuck it.. and hunted wild animals for food or someshit.. just buy a solar powered generator a fridge … a house.. and alot of bic lights to make sure i allways have fire haha and maybe a gun and a lot of ammo .. and said fuck everyhting else

  5. Don Wilson says:

    $315 is the full winnings if you take the 20-yr payment. Nearly half that, then take out taxes, and you’re at the $113, which is relatively decent from what I would’ve expected from a cash-out on $315m.

  6. Matt says:

    I wonder if is name was Hugo? Haha

    (You know from Lost) Isn’t it funny that in this article it mentions “could move away to a tropical island and live the rest of the years stress-free”

  7. hax says:

    sounds like hurley from lost ;)

  8. JM says:

    Apparently lots of people who suddenly come into money really have no idea how to handle it and end up eventually being overwhelmed by it.

  9. aron says:

    because of the circumstances how do we know that the people who r suing are being honest?

  10. Happy Jack says:

    Best advice if you hit it big, even as little as $10,000 dollars. Here it is: NEVER EVER NEVER TELL ANYONE! Once you open your mouth and brag about your winnings, others become bitter and resent you and your winnings. People plot and plan to get a piece of your winnings. Whether it’s legit or not people feel that you won’t notice it and can handle the loss. Keep a low profile and move the hell out of your present address and quit your job! Oh, fuck charity and feelings to be compelled to donate. Once you donate you will be harassed yearly. It’s your money, your luck, your life. Besides, you didn’t ask to be born. Think of the lottery as compensation for being put into a world of shit, piss and corruption. It’s okay to be selfish and hide your winnings. ESPECIALLY FROM FAMILY! They are worse than strangers. I know, because I have been throught it. I live alone and am very happy and set to enjoy my golden years. Good luck to all you future Lottery winners! Live long and enjoy!

Additional comments powered by BackType