Winner claims Mega jackpot!

Contact: Andi Brancato 517-335-5648
Agency: Lottery





Odessa, April. 01, 2009 - Cruz Ramirez of Odessa will never forget his 42nd birthday.
On November 10th, 2009, Cruz won a $136 million Mega Millions jackpot. The winning numbers, 04-17-26-46-56 and 25 (Mega ball), were Cruz's own picks, which originated from an old easy pick ticket. The ticket was purchased at Joy Mobil, 27350 Joy Rd., in Redford. The store will receive a $50,000 commission for the sale.
Cruz said friends thought he was pulling an April Fool's Day joke on them when he announced that he had won the jackpot.
He said he was "overwhelmed" by the win and plans to share the wealth. Cruz said he will give his four friends, with whom he has played the Lottery with for years, each $1 million.
The $136 million jackpot had originally been advertised at $135 million but sales supported the increased amount. Cruz selected to receive his payment in one lump sum payment of $84,367,246, less taxes.
Cruz is Texas's 7th Mega Millions jackpot winner. Previous amounts won were $17 million, $23.3 million (a portion of a jackpot shared with two other winners), $47 million, $208 million, $17.5 million (a portion of a jackpot shared with one other winner), and $75 million.
Mega Millions is a multi-state Lottery game offered in 12 locations: Michigan, California, Illinois, Georgia, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Texas, Virginia and Washington. Drawings are every Tuesday and Friday at 11 p.m.