Everyone has had a little afternoon fantasy about winning the lottery. Quitting your job, paying off your mortgage, and embracing a life of decadent leisure that you know you were born to lead. Well, for one Florida man, that dream has become a reality. Shane Missler, a 20-year-old former background screening worker from Port Richey, bought the winning ticket to the $451 million jackpot, the fourth largest in Mega Millions lotto history.
Instead of having his winnings paid out in installments over time, Missler has opted to take the one-time lump sum of $281.2 million. When asked what his plans were for his newfound wealth, he told the Florida Lottery that he planned on buying a house in Tampa and “pursuing a variety of passions.” However, he also claimed that he wanted to help others as well.
“I intend to take care of my family, have some fun along the way, and cement a path for financial success so that I can leave a legacy far into the future. I have always been one to encourage the idea of chasing dreams and I believe life is about the pursuit of passion. I am 20 years old and my journey has only just begun.”
Missler claims that he had “a feeling” that he would win, even going so far as to set up a private limited company called “Secret 007, LLC” through his attorney. He was remarkably chill with the whole ordeal, just calling his brother after his numbers were called (28, 30, 39, 59, 70 and the Mega Ball, 10) and meeting his dad for coffee the next morning. Hopefully, this understated attitude will continue once he receives his check, helping him avoid the all-too-common financial difficulties of previous winners.
(Via ABC News)