Michael Weirsky, a 54-year-old man, had his fortune turn around when, while going through a divorce, he managed to claim a $273 million lottery jackpot in 2019.
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Before this, things weren’t going well for Michael as he was also facing unemployment. But one day, he decided to try his luck by buying a lottery ticket at a local gas station on a Thursday.
Shortly after, he forgot those tickets at a Quick Check store in Phillipsburg, near the Pennsylvania border. Upon realizing this, Michael returned on Friday, when he was told that a good Samaritan had found his tickets and handed them to the store employees. Michael, upon verification, was able to retrieve those tickets and claim the jackpot. “He could have easily claimed the jackpot,” said Michael.
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Michael had been a stay-at-home husband for years. He was financially reliant on his wife, Eileen Murray, who was the sole breadwinner. While he had been looking for work for about a year, he hadn’t received any calls for interviews. During fall, their 15-year marriage had also come to an end, leading to divorce.
But now that he has hit the jackpot, Michael revealed that he plans to sit back and enjoy the money. He even said he would buy a new car and renovate his home as a gift for his mother.
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| Inside Edition | Youtube |
Meanwhile, Michael’s ex-spouse had been ordered to pay him alimony for up to five years since the time of their divorce, as in their case, the judge determined who was the dependent party, and unfortunately for Eileen, she was ordered to pay her ex-partner money even after their marriage ended.
But now that Michael is doing well and is practically richer than her, Eileen wonders if that will save her from having to continue paying alimony. She has been arguing that she should be allowed to stop making those payments, while clarifying that she is not after Michael’s winnings.
Well, in Michael’s case, people are saying he won 'twice,' as not only is he receiving alimony from his ex, but he also won the lottery. His story reminds us that life's second chances can come when you least expect it, even if you're struggling personally or financially. But some people play on making their own luck. Just like this retired couple in their 60s who found a loophole and made their town rich.