New Yorker David Yax Revealed As $80 Million Powerball Jackpot Winner
A retired carpenter from North Evans is planning to ‘travel and just have fun’ after landing the biggest lottery win in Western New York history. David Yax also described himself as a ‘little overwhelmed’ as he collected his $80 million jackpot.
Yax, 75, matched the numbers 4, 8, 30, 52 and 59, plus the Powerball of 2, in the drawing on Wednesday September 4th. He had no idea he had won when he went to bed that night, but woke a few hours later to discover his good fortune.
He waited a few weeks to claim the money, but has now come forward with his wife Claudia. They were presented with their ceremonial check at the same Tops Market on Erie Road in Derby where he had purchased his Quick Pick ticket, spending just $2 on entering the game.
Recalling the night of their win, Claudia told officials that she had seen something unusual that turned out to be a very good omen. “After I said the Lord's Prayer, the most beautiful shooting star went over the house with the most beautiful colored tail of blue, green and yellow.”
More Success for New York
David and Claudia can now look forward to a bright future, with plans to visit Hawaii and Alaska. David is also thinking about buying a new woodworking shop or pole barn, while he will invest some of the winnings. “Winning this amount of money is fantastic, but a little overwhelming,” he said.
They have opted for the one-time lump sum of $57.3 million rather than annuity payments. After tax, the final payout will be $38.5 million. The Tops Market which sold the winning ticket will also receive a $10,000 commission.
Yax’s win was the 11th jackpot to go to New York since the state started selling tickets in 2010. A player from Long Island had snapped up a $148 million jackpot just a couple of weeks earlier on August 17th, while three winning tickets were sold in New York in 2018. Go to the Winners page to find a list of the most successful states and the biggest jackpots to have ever been paid out.
The jackpot is currently worth $130 million, having not been won since a player from Michigan won another prize worth $80 million on September 21st. See the latest Powerball Numbers after every Wednesday and Saturday drawing to find out if you are a winner.
Page Last Updated: 10/24/2019 4:46:51 AM ET