Years after being hit by a tow truck with his toddler daughter a Fremont man says luck finally struck again
FREMONT, Ohio — An Ohio man who survived a devastating Fourth of July parade accident that nearly changed his family forever is now celebrating a different kind of miracle after scratching off a $500K Ohio Lottery jackpot.
Duane, a Fremont resident, purchased the winning Money Money Money scratch-off ticket after work but did not realize his life had changed until he began scratching the ticket at home.
According to the Ohio Lottery, the player started revealing symbols from the top of the ticket before suddenly uncovering the game’s $500,000 top prize.
“I looked at it for a long time,” Duane said in a statement released by lottery officials. “At first, I thought something was wrong.”
The winner said he eventually secured the ticket in a safe after realizing the prize was real.
Lottery officials said Duane and his family endured years of hardship following a traumatic Fourth of July parade accident in which he and his 18-month-old daughter were struck by an antique tow truck.
The accident led to multiple heart attacks, the loss of his job, and severe financial struggles for the family, according to the Ohio Lottery.
Despite the difficulties, Duane said he always considered himself fortunate simply because both he and his daughter survived.
Now, the Fremont man says he plans to use part of the winnings to help people who supported his family during their hardest years.
After mandatory federal and state taxes totaling 26.75%, the winner will take home approximately $366,250.
Duane said he plans to purchase a new vehicle, help close friends, take a family vacation, and invest the remaining money.
The winning $10 Money Money Money scratch-off ticket was sold at Hy-Miler #2244, located at 801 W. State St. in Fremont.
Ohio Lottery officials said four top prizes remain in the game as of May 21.
Key Points
- An Ohio man won $500K on a Money Money Money scratch-off ticket
- The winner previously survived a Fourth of July parade accident with his toddler daughter
- The winning ticket was sold at a Fremont convenience store