'Disappear off the planet' says former lottery winner to $185 million Powerball winner
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Fox 61 reported that the $185 million Powerball winner has not yet come forward, and interviewed a former winner, Chris Wujek (right).
When the as yet unknown $185 million Powerball winner claims their jackpot prize, one former winner has advice for them.
“Disappear off the planet,” advised Christopher Wujek, who won $1 million in 2021.
The Powerball ticket was drawn Monday, Feb. 14, and has not been claimed. The winner has 180 days to come forward and pick up their prize or it is forfeited back to the states.
The winning Powerball ticket was sold by the One-Stop Convenience Store on South Main Street in Cheshire. PHOTO: NBC Connecticut
The former winner from Windsor, Connecticut gave this advice in an exclusive interview with Fox 61 yesterday.
“it’s important people resist the urge to shout their win from the rooftops.” he advised.
“Get a lawyer you know, get some advice [from] someone you trust and get someone who can help you navigate the tax hurdles that Uncle Sam throws your way,” Chris said.
Chris Wuejk claimed the $785,000 cash option from his $1-million Mega Multiplier scratch-off win. PHOTO: CT Lottery
"I've been wanting a Corvette, so next summer we'll be getting a nice, new toy, and taking a vacation to Puerto Rico or Aruba,” Chris said at the time of his win.
“We haven't been on a vacation in five years!"
The winning Powerball numbers were 16-25-27-49-55 with a Powerball of 17. VIDEO: News 19 WLTX
The winning ticket matched all five numbers plus the Powerball, and the total winning amount was $185,300,000.
The winning ticket was sold at a One-Stop convenience store in Cheshire.
CT Lottery President and CEO Greg Smith said "So excited for the player, you know, this is generational income that that person has just won.”
“So very fun for us to have these wins happen in Connecticut," said Greg Smith.
