Laid off Oregon man wins $1 million

Jan 16, 2013, 9:21 am (54 comments)

Mega Millions

By Todd Northrop

MERLIN, Ore. — Laid off since May, Riley Gunn was driving his wife and kids home to their cabin in the woods in southern Oregon after registering for computer programming classes, when he pulled off the freeway to buy corn dogs for the kids.

Knowing his wife would not approve because money was so tight, but feeling he was sure to win, Gunn said Tuesday he bought an $8 lottery ticket, letting the machine pick the numbers.

When he checked online, he found he had won $1 million.

Riley won second prize in the Mega Millions game, but because he had also purchased the Megaplier option for an extra $1 per play, his prize was increased from $250,000 to $1 million.

When Riley checked his winning ticket, he couldn't believe his eyes. "I saw that I had matched all five numbers, but not the Mega Ball," he said.

He woke up his wife, Misti, with the news that they were $250,000 winners. When Riley remembered that he had chosen the Megaplier option, and the Megaplier multiplier "4" was drawn, he realized he was a $1 million winner.

"I just couldn't believe it. Misti and I were both shocked, and really excited."

Gunn said after collecting his $670,000 in winnings, after taxes, he gave a tenth to his church, bought a pair of new Jeeps, and put in a bid on a house. He plans to use the rest to start his own software business.

Riley purchased the winning Mega Millions ticket at Lil' Pantry Market & Deli in Merlin, Oregon, for the January 4 drawing. 

News story photo(Click to display full-size in gallery)

Thanks to truesee for the tip.

Lottery Post Staff

Comments

Original Bey's avatarOriginal Bey

670k goes a LONG WAY in Oregon!

 

Congrats to the family.

MADDOG10's avatarMADDOG10

Kudos to the Gunn family.

A nice way to start the New Year....!

Set4life's avatarSet4life

Wow that is great news!! Congrats to them.Embarassed

weshar75's avatarweshar75

Congrats to the couple on their big win!  I am hoping my million is coming soon too!-weshar75

US Flag

dk1421's avatardk1421

So happy for them!!! 

I've been looking for a job over a year, so I hope I'm next!

Saylorgirl's avatarSaylorgirl

Congratulations!  What a sweet story!

hearsetrax's avatarhearsetrax

Cheers

noise-gate

Hope your wish comes true..

Aint nothing like having matching jeeps after a win its the new status symbol of happiness.
Enjoy your winnings. .

Ronnie316

Nice win....... And nice looking family.

HaveABall's avatarHaveABall

Congratulations, Gunns, on your tidy MM Lottery jackpot win.  Good thing, Riley, you were smart enough to remember to buy the "multiplier" option. 

It's great to see a person without much money left win a high jackpot!!!  I'm glad Riley Gunn bought into the MM if he felt strong conviction to do so that day.  However, I'm simply confused why he thought it was okay to buy more than one 'draw line' if his family was in dire financial straights.  Perhaps, the trick to winning is in a "gambling mindset" which hasn't admitted financial poverty.

Group Hug

RedStang's avatarRedStang

Thats got to be the 10th time i read someone hitting by spending $8. LOL I'll bet the corndogs were an excuse to buy lottery tickets.

Dynomitemike

Sometimes Lady Luck does pick the right people.

They are giving 10% to the Church, bought 2 Jeeps, made a bid on a house, and is starting a computer softwear business. Good Choises; Good for them. CONGRADULATIONS.

helpmewin's avatarhelpmewin

Congrats to the familyThumbs Up, i'm gonna get me a cabin in the woods Dance

helpmewin's avatarhelpmewin

Quote: Originally posted by Dynomitemike on Jan 16, 2013

Sometimes Lady Luck does pick the right people.

They are giving 10% to the Church, bought 2 Jeeps, made a bid on a house, and is starting a computer softwear business. Good Choises; Good for them. CONGRADULATIONS.

I Agree! Lady Luck

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