Cristy Davis

Powerball Winner • MI • 2020

Jackpot (2024$)

$84,000,000

lump sum

Age at Win

Car dealership employee

Summary

Former $10/hour employee who calls winning nothing but hell - extreme identity theft, alleged kidnapping plot by best friend. Despite turbulence, shows NO financial distress: lives modestly in $300K lakefront home. Advocates for lottery anonymity laws.

Quick Facts

Win Date: February 12, 2020
State: MI
Winner Type: individual
Marital Status: single
Ticket Type: Quick Pick
Payment Choice: lump sum
After Tax: $36M

Notable Quotes

"All I could do was scream."

"If I won the lottery, I would get my car fixed."

"My jackpot win was a gift from God... I have decided to donate total sum of $14 million to Help individuals and charity."

Analysis

Protective Factors

+Conservative stabilization strategy: house, car, investments
+Prioritized generational wealth for children and grandchildren
+Working-class background kept expectations grounded
+Became active advocate rather than passive victim
+No luxury spending headlines
+Hired financial advisors
+Won just before COVID crash - potential buying opportunity if managed well

How They Found Out

Was at her workplace (car dealership) the morning after the draw when a friend contacted her via FaceTime, alerting her that the winning ticket was sold at Huron Plaza Liquor. She verified the numbers in her truck. "All I could do was scream." The shock was so severe her employer sent her home. She had bought one Powerball, one Mega Millions, and some scratch-offs on an impulse stop with a friend.

Research Quality: high • Last Updated: 1/15/2025 • Years Tracked: 5

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