Vietnamese American wins $324million California lottery
(VOV) -The co winner of the American US$636 million Mega Millions jackpot is Steve Tran, a Vietnamese American living in northern California, who emerged to claim his prize on January 2.
Tran said his family likes to visit San Jose because of the city's large Vietnamese community. While visiting the area on December 13 to eat and shop, he bought 5 Quick Pick tickets from Jennifer's Gift Shop, owned by Thuy Nguyen - also a Vietnamese national, who will receive US$1 million for selling the winning ticket.
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| Jennifer's-Gift-Shop |
The first winner was Ira Curry from Georgia who came forward to claim her prize on December 18.
Tran said he saw coverage that the winning ticket had been purchased in San Jose, but had forgotten about his purchase. Then he went on vacation, and forgot about the lottery altogether.
It wasn't until a middle-of-the-night inspiration upon his return that he realized he had indeed purchased tickets in San Jose. He came forward Thursday, 16 days after the drawing, to claim the prize.
“I'm really sorry boss. I hit the jackpot. I don't think I'm going to come in today, tomorrow, or ever,” Tran is reported to have told his employer.
The US$648 million jackpot is the second-largest lottery prize in US history. It started its ascent October 4. Lotto officials say 22 draws came and went without winners. Some US$336 million in tickets were sold for the December 17 drawing.