SUTHERLIN, Ore. — An Oregon truck driver who won a $9.4 million lottery jackpot said he completed his drywall delivery on his way to claim the prize.
Eric Tackett of Sutherlin matched all six numbers for the Oregon State Lottery's Aug. 31 Megabucks drawing: 4, 6, 15, 21, 38, and 40.
Tackett said he initially didn't believe his wife and frequent travel companion, Bethany, when she said the ticket was a winner.
"Normally I win free tickets," Tackett said. "I thought everyone was messing with me when they told me I won $9.4 million. I had Beth check the ticket more than 50 times on different computers and phones."
Tackett managed to match three of the winning numbers in a separate set, meaning he also won a free ticket.
The truck driver arrived in his semi tractor at the Oregon State Lottery office after having dropped off a trailer load of drywall on his way to claim the prize.
"It was on the way," Tackett said.
He said he planned to pick up his trailer after claiming his winnings and even planned to continue his 17-career of truck driving, despite his $9.4 million jackpot.
Tackett chose the lump sum option, meaning he will take home about $3 million after taxes.
The Oregon State Lottery said the TA Truck Stop in Coburg will receive a $94,000 bonus for selling the winning ticket.
"We know the lady who sold us the ticket, when she finds out she is going to freak out," Tackett said.
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Great story!
"It was on the way" lol!
Roll on!
I'm guessing that will be his last delivery.
Congrats, your gear jammin days are over!
Haha $3million and still won a free ticket
So after doing his job he used his employer's truck to run a personal errand? Bummer if his employer fires him, huh?
The Tacketts will probably buy a new semi-tractor. If they need one.
$3 million can go fast if you are not wise with your money.
Ends up with $3 mil after taxes from a $9 mil jackpot? that's brutal. But hey, his $3 mil ahead of most of us.
More than likely it was the cash-option so the value automatically goes to half, then you have taxes.
Can tell I woke up from a nap. Re-read the article and he took lump sum.
Many drivers own their rig....
Wow Wow!!
Congratulations Mr, Eric Tackett
I may try them numbers here.
Or at least making the payments, most trucking companies don't provide their drivers a rig totally own by the company.
Congrats!!!
My late father in law was a trucker for 40 years, he didn't own his own rig unfortunately. His company provided him one.
however he hauled vehicles for corporate buisiness, car dealerships, rent a car places, etc. he even hauled cars for Alan Jacksons
crew once.
your right though RJOh, most companies don't loan out rigs, some even make thier drivers cover thier own insurance.
a truckers life is hard, mently physically, and its hell on family life. and contrary to popular believe they don't make as
much money as one might think.
I'm glad to see this guy is getting out of the buis!
10-4
Congrats to the lucky trucker and his wife.
Good thing he stopped at that truck stop when he did.
10-4 good buddy 73s
I think a lot more truckers will be purchasing lottery tickets on account of him.
They seem like a great couple and I hope they enjoy this blessing.
There's another trucker that won a Mega Millions jackpot in 2015.
"Steven Peloquin, a professional truck driver for nearly 30 years, purchased the ticket at Penn 80/Flying J Travel Plaza, 1460 N. Ridge Road, Milton, Northumberland County, PA"
Virginia man claims Mega Millions jackpot in Pennsylvania
Congratulations to this jackpot winner. I hope this winner takes the lump sum. I wonder what he'll do with the money?
You'll find out soon enough. We know that the Robinson family bought a castle with a private lake far away from humanity. Stay tuned.
I can guarantee you that the lot lizards from now on will be glued to his truck doors like dried gum on a park bench. Unlucky man.
That is sad but true; he'll wished he threw in the towel and quit driving that truck.