The National Lottery advises new millionaires against making their winnings public. But in California, law requires winners’ names to be made public. Neighbors of Theo Struyck, who became a billionaire overnight, now fear for his safety.
“No entry” reads a sign at his house. The Struyck does not want to know about an alarm system or other security measures for the time being. The man lives alone, never lacked anything, but lived frugally. He wants to keep it that way. “Nothing changes for me,” he says. Even though there is suddenly 1.6 billion euros in his bank account.
The 65-year-old bought the Powerball ticket six months ago in a supermarket near his home. The lottery is required by California law to make the winner’s name public, so everyone now knows where the money is. Although it is not yet entirely clear whether Struyck should share the amount. He may not have been playing alone.
The lottery is required by California law to make the winner’s name public, so everyone now knows where the money is
His neighbors are certainly worried about him. Neighbor Kevin Woten says he is afraid he is being kidnapped for ransom. Residents of the 3,000-person village in which he lives mainly hope that he will invest in the village community. Although they also take into account that he is leaving for a larger city where he can enjoy more anonymity. “Because he will have little peace here,” Kevin Woten fears.
Supermarket
The billionaire has not yet treated his neighbors. “He left and we haven’t heard from him since. He would temporarily stay with family.” The supermarket where he bought the winning ticket is certainly no worse off. “People come here from all directions to buy a lottery ticket,” it sounds.
Just as many things are ‘mega’ in America, so are lottery prizes. The billions are flying around your ears. This week, another person in New Jersey won $1.13 billion in the Mega Millions lottery.
