#megamillions Noel man claims Missouri’s first Mega Millions jackpot

August 5th, 2015

RELEASE DATE: 8/6/2015

A Noel, Mo., man came forward Aug. 4 to claim Missouri's first Mega Millions jackpot. Raul Ahumada, 60, said he plays several Missouri Lottery games, including Mega Millions. When he checked his tickets on Aug. 3, he thought he had won $25,000. It wasn't until he took his ticket to the Lottery's Springfield office that he discovered he actually won $25 million.

Ahumada, who works at a chicken processing plant, said he and his wife, Rosa, plan to "try to find a nice mountain home and stay there." He also plans to go back to Mexico to visit his family and his mom's grave.

"It's been 15 years since he's been back to Mexico," his son, Raul Jr., explained.

He also may buy a "nice car" and possibly retire in the near future.

Ahumada purchased his winning ticket at Rio Alce convenience store, 441 N. Highway 59, in Noel. He let the computer select the number combination on his winning ticket for the July 31 drawing. Those numbers were 28, 32, 33, 40, 46 and the Mega Ball number was 10.

Since the game went on sale in Missouri in January 2010, 28 Missouri players have won prizes worth $250,000 playing Mega Millions, one player won $750,000 and another eight players have won $1 million.

Ahumada is the 427th ticket worth $1 million or more sold in Missouri since the Lottery started in 1986.

About the Missouri Lottery (MOLottery.com)

In 1984, more than 70 percent of Missouri voters approved a lottery. Currently, the Lottery is the sixth-largest source of state income, and more than 95 cents of every dollar spent on the Lottery benefits Missouri. Since sales started in 1986, the Missouri Lottery has generated more than $5 billion for the state and public education. Lottery players have won more than $10.5 billion in prizes, and retailers have earned more than $1 billion in commissions. Each year, the Lottery generates more than $270 million for vital education programs, including A+ scholarships. When you play the Missouri Lottery, you Play It Forward!

Media contact: Missouri Lottery, Susan Goedde, (573) 526-7425

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