(WBBM NEWSRADIO) — The Illinois winner of last week's Mega Millions jackpot has claimed the prize, but we still don't know who that winner is.
The winner – nicknamed "MEGA Millionaire" – wants to remain anonymous, but did share some information with the Illinois Lottery which could be shared publicly.
That information includes the fact that they discovered they won while scrolling through emails
"I saw one from the Illinois Lottery saying to check my numbers because I won a prize," they reportedly said.
The winner who bought the ticket online, was shocked to find, the prize was actually the $552 million jackpot, and didn't even believe it at first.
"You can’t imagine my shock and disbelief when I saw that I had won the jackpot amount of $552 million. I actually quit the app and then signed back in to double check and make sure it was real. It was real alright - but it still feels unreal!”
The winner also shared that they were raised by a single mother who they now take care of.
"I haven’t told her yet about this life-changing windfall but when that time comes, we’re all going to be shedding some happy tears.”
As for what the new multi-millionaire will do with the money, the self-described "laborer" is ready to stop working.
“I’ve always dreamed of retiring early and enjoying life with my family. I think it’s safe to say my dream just came true,” the winner said in a released statement from Illinois Lottery.
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