Forklift driver who won $1M in scratch-off lottery is hospitalized after nonstop partying: ‘Massive wake-up call’

nypost.com ^ | Oct. 5, 2025 | Zoe Hussain

[V_TWIN]

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People think hitting the lottery is the answer to life.......it's not.

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[Jonty30]

It depends on how you handle it. The first thing I would do, if I won, is visit some reputable financial advisors. Probably at my age, just a mutual fund that pays out once a year would be what I would do.

I would also keep working. A million dollars allows me one step up from my situation, not retirement.

[Salman]

People who think a million dollar lotter win == “infinity” dollars.

[marktwain]

Most people who win the lottery have no experience in handling money. Most run through the money in a year or two.

A very small number have an idea of how to handle the money.

They invest it and live off of the income from it.

As mentioned, a good investment advisor can help determine how to invest wisely and how to minimize the taxes, which can be substantial.

[4Runner]

In America, when you have very little money, everyone tries to price-gouge the hell out of you especially if you are elderly. Can you imagine the kind of price-gouging you get hit with when you actually come into some wealth? And no, most people cannot keep it a secret, not with conspicuous consumption, which most fall prey to. Fine automobiles, prime real estate, high-end clothing, jewelry, etc etc.

[rlmorel]

It reminded me of what someone once said:

"If I won the lottery, I wouldn't quit my job. I would just become very difficult to discipline!"

[Cowgirl of Justice]

I was at the Post Office some years ago and the man in front of me was picking up his yearly lottery check. Of course, he had a HUGE smile on his face!!!!!

[Leaning Right]

I know a guy who won $1 million plus in a state lottery. Fortunately, his family convinced him to do exactly as you suggested. He met with a major company financial advisor, and the money went into a rather conservative low-cost mutual fund.

After winning, many of his “friends” from the old days contacted him. “Congratulations on your win, pal! By the way, can you help me with my next car payment?”

Such requests were all politely declined.

[MayflowerMadam]

I guess that’s what they mean by “FU money”.

But these days, I don’t think just $1 million is enough to guarantee a secure rest-of-your-life.

[4Runner]

Do you think your trusted “investment advisor” is going to work for you for a “modest” salary, then being the saint he/she actually is, keep his/her mouth shut about just how much you’re now worth? Dream world.

[rlmorel]

No kidding!

[dfwgator]

I would think the biggest problem is that the nature of all of your relationships will change.

[Jonty30]

I have no friends, so I know they’d be lying.

[V_TWIN]

“A very small number have an idea of how to handle the money”

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And many can’t even grasp how much they won believe it or not.

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Case in point; not long after the lottery was established in my state a woman won 7 million IIRC.

She actually gave an interview to local news.....mistake #1 and 2.

When asked the most common question about what she would spend the money on, her answer:

“I’m gonna but a new Camaro and a double wide trailer.

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That woman needed that money about as much as she needed a hole in the head.

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A few years after that the local newspaper did a follow-up on state lottery winners to see what their status was.......it wasn’t pretty.....with many already being out of money.

[4Runner]

F’n Florida thieving business owners. Anytime I have to purchase a service of some type, the first thing the bastards do is run my address through Zillow or Redfin to see what my house is worth. Then and only then do they tell me how much their “services” are going to cost me. This country has gone straight to hell.

[fuzzylogic]

When you only have $17 in the bank, a million seems like an infinite amount - like, “I’m rich” sort of money. Except if you live like that you’ll soon find out you’re not rich.

Hopefully this wake-up call happened before he burned through it all. It’s certainly enough to pay off a home, invest, and start a business...a nice bump in life.

[Lizavetta]

I would think the biggest problem is that the nature of all of your relationships will change.

Exactly. I would doubt everyone's motivation in being my friend. Winners tend to develop big targets on their back for every grifting friend and relative.

I would do the same as the smart ones. Invest it conservatively and live off the interest. As frugal as I am and because I simply don't want stuff, I could get by just fine on 5% of $1 million and that security of knowing that interest income is coming would make me very happy indeed.

[V_TWIN]

Anonymity is essential for someone hitting the lottery......my state actually urges people to take the provided orientation and counseling offered in order to prepare them for this major life change.

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One thing I’ve noticed about people standing in line waiting to but lottery tickets.....nobody is EVER smiling.......ever.

[digger48]

I knew a couple that won big in the lottery.

Both drank themselves to death and the kids ended up in jail

[Ex-Con777]

For perspective:

If the 39 year old man thought he was rich, this could have woken him up. $1.3M placed in a very good investment fund would yield about $33k per year for the rest of your life. Do you think you can live the rest of your life on $33K?

EC