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David Johnson

Powerball Winner • NY • 2018

Jackpot (2024$)

$358,000,000

lump sum

Age at Win

56

Truck driver, Iberia Foods

Summary

Jamaican immigrant truck driver who won second-largest NY jackpot. Quit job immediately, planned modest purchases. Stored ticket in ratty jacket for security. Completely vanished from public view with zero negative news in 6 years.

Quick Facts

Win Date
December 26, 2018
State
NY
Winner Type
individual
Marital Status
married
Ticket Type
Quick Pick
Payment Choice
lump sum
After Tax
$114M

Timeline

W
Date unknownwin

Won $298.3M Powerball jackpot; was sick but came to work for holiday pay; bought $5 Quick Pick at Arnold's Service Station across from workplace

W
Date unknownwin

Called out sick; coworker called about winning ticket sold at gas station; didn't check ticket believing "that's not my luck"

W
Date unknownwin

Checked ticket at gas station; discovered win; "jumped up and down"

W
Date unknownwin

Stored ticket in "ratty jacket" for security

C
Date unknownclaim

Filed formal claim with NY Lottery

C
Date unknownclaim

Publicly claimed prize at Resorts World Casino, Queens; presented by Yolanda Vega

M
Date unknownmedia

Announced immediate retirement from Iberia Foods

P
Date unknownpurchase

Stated plans: house in Brooklyn, red Porsche, stay in New York

*
Date unknownother

Confirmed working with attorney to manage investments

Notable Quotes

"I can't even eat. I start and can't finish my food. I'm happy with joy inside."

— David Johnson, January 2019

"I'm not going to work, I'm quitting right away! I'm rich. I don't gotta go to work no more."

— David Johnson, announcing retirement

"A red one so everyone can see me when I drive on the street."

— David Johnson, on his dream car

"If somebody breaks into your house, they're going to look for the nice stuff."

— David Johnson, explaining why he stored the winning ticket in a ratty jacket

"Nah, nah, nah, nah. New York is my place. I ain't going nowhere."

— David Johnson, when asked if he would move

How They Found Out

Was sick but came to work on Dec 26 for holiday pay. Bought $5 Quick Pick. Coworker called about winning ticket; didn't check believing "that's not my luck". Checked two days later, jumped up and down. Stored ticket in "ratty jacket" for security.

Research Quality: high • Last Updated: 1/25/2019 • Years Tracked: 6
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