Jamaican truck driver ‘rich’ after winning massive jackpot in US

Jamaican native David Johnson, who migrated to the United States when he was 16 years old, has declared himself ‘rich’ after winning the second-largest jackpot in the history of New York Lottery.

He claimed the US$298.3 million jackpot for the 26 December 2018 Powerball drawing.

The winning numbers were 5-25-38-52-67, with Powerball 24.

Johnson, a 56-year-old truck driver who lives in East New York, opted to take the cash value of the annuitized prize, a single lump sum payment totaling US$180,227,550.

His net check will total US$114,091,248 after required withholdings, New York Lottery said in a statement.

Johnson told the US press that he intents to quit his job as a truck driver, adding that he will use the funds to acquire ‘a nice house’ in New York, take care of his family, and buy a red Porsche – his dream vehicle.

He did not realize that he’d won the jackpot until he was alerted by a co-worker.

“I got a call that the winning ticket was sold at the store where I buy my tickets,” Johnson explained. “I went to the store and gave the ticket to the clerk to check. He scanned it and said ‘congratulations.’ I needed to see it for myself, so I scanned and saw it read BIG WINNER.”

Since he found out he’d won, Johnson said it’s been an exciting time. “I can’t even eat. I start and can’t finish my food. I’m happy with joy inside.”

Johnson’s win was the third consecutive Powerball jackpot win by a New Yorker in 2018.

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