STANLEY, N.C. (WGHP) — Sean McIntosh, of Maiden, said a ‘wild hair’ convinced him to buy a $50 scratch-off Wednesday that led to a $10 million prize, according to an NC Education Lottery news release.
“If I get a wild hair to do something, I’m going to listen,” he said.
McIntosh bought the winning $10 Million Spectacular ticket from Jones Exxon Inc. on N.C. 16 South in Stanley.
“It was actually the first time I’ve bought a $50 ticket,” he said. “I won $100 earlier on a $5 ticket, so I decided to give it a try.”
McIntosh said he didn’t know how to react when he found out he won.
“It’s just been a blur since then,” he said. “When you buy it, you never really expect something like this to actually happen.”
When McIntosh arrived to collect his winnings, he had a decision to make. He could choose to receive the prize as an annuity of $500,000 a year over 20 years or take a lump sum of $6 million.
He chose the lump sum of $6 million.
After state and federal tax withholdings, he took home $4,290,014.
McIntosh said he plans to invest his winnings and use it to take care of his children.
Where can I get the latest lottery numbers?
Watch lottery drawings on FOX8! Mega Millions airs at 11 p.m. on Tuesday and Friday. Powerball airs at 10:59 p.m. on Monday, Wednesday and Saturday. The NC Lottery airs at 11:22 p.m. every night.
You can also find the lottery results online on the FOX8 website.