RALEIGH — John Turner, of Shelby, became overcome with emotion after discovering his $30 scratch-off purchase turned into a $3 million win.
“I started bawling,” Turner said. “It was a happy cry though.”
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Turner, 47, bought his Fabulous Fortune ticket from the Kangaroo Express on Mallard Creek Road in Charlotte. After scratching the ticket outside in the parking lot, he said he initially had a hard time processing what just happened.
“My mind was going like 100 mph,” he said. “I was like, ‘Oh my God, I’ve done it. I finally hit the big one.’”
Turner collected his prize Friday
He had to make the decision to receive the prize as an annuity of $150,000 over 20 years or a lump sum of $1.8 million. He chose the lump sum.
After required state and federal tax withholdings, took home $1.28 million.
Turner said he plans to pay off his car, share some money with his family, and invest the rest.
Fabulous Fortune debuted in July with six $3 million prizes and 18 $100,000 prizes. Since Turner claimed the last $3 million prize, the lottery will begin the process of ending the game.
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