Jack Whittaker won $314 million - and lost his granddaughter, his daughter, his marriage, and nearly everything else. These are the winners who regret their jackpots.
I wish I'd torn that ticket up.
The biggest single-ticket Powerball winner at the time. He didn't go broke because of bad luck. He lost something money couldn't buy back.
The 70% bankruptcy myth is false, but tragedy is real
The "70% go bankrupt" statistic is a myth. Our research shows only 2% experienced financial ruin. But money can't protect against tragedy - and some losses are irreversible.
Out of 180 documented winners, we found 9 premature deaths, 8 divorces, and 8 family tragedies.
Winners who lost everything
Lost 98% of his $314M fortune after his granddaughter died of an overdose and his daughter also passed away. Later divorced and had his house burn down.
Went from $27M after taxes to $0 in just 5 years, dying penniless in a storage unit. He and his wife both developed OxyContin addiction.
Both he and his ex-wife Virginia died within 5 years of winning. He built a Mount Vernon replica but died of alcoholism at age 45.
Invested in a remote inn during the 2008 financial crisis and divorced 11 years later. The property remains unsold.
Money cannot protect against loss
Granddaughter Brandi Bragg died of overdose (2004). Girlfriend Jessie also died of overdose. Daughter Ginger died 2009.
Son who required 24-hour care died. Details limited. Wrongful death lawsuit mentioned.
Syndicate member Mary Heitzman (one of 16 winners) lost son Russell "Pickles" Heitzman in car accident August 2020 at age 33. Mary herself died December 7, 2023 at age 67.
Wife Rosemary died approximately 2 years after win.
Lost TWO sons after win: (1) Tony Capaci died March 9, 2012 in snowmobile accident at age 39 - "death of affluence" from leisure lifestyle money enabled. (2) Brian Capaci died April 18, 2023 suddenly at age 56. Shirley (mother) outlived husband Frank (d.2014) and ALL THREE sons - the nuclear family was "entirely extinguished." Money ensured comfort but could not save family.
8 winners (4%) divorced after winning
Divorced 2008 after 42 years of marriage. The stress of lawsuits, robberies, and family deaths destroyed the relationship.
Divorced 2001, one year after winning. Both died within 5 years - Mack from alcoholism, Virginia found dead alone.
Divorced after addiction spiral. Wife Shawna pawned jewelry for drugs. Both ended up destitute.
Divorced 2019 after 11 years. "Dissipation of Assets" claim in court documents.
Stories that made headlines
One year after winning $25M, his Audi R8 supercar caught fire. A symbolic reminder that luxury has its costs.
Won $195M and gave bartenders $10K each instead of promised "millions." Lost his "third place" - the neighborhood pub. Later lost all three sons.
7 winners faced criminal charges. However, most were victims of crime rather than perpetrators.
These tragedies deserve acknowledgment. But they represent a minority of outcomes:
Want to understand the full picture? See what actually happens to most winners.
Source: CazPoint Powerball Winners Study, 180 documented winners (1992-2024). Tragedy data verified through obituaries, court records, and news archives.