$451m lottery winner, 20, to use jackpot for ‘good of humanity’

A 20-YEAR-OLD from Florida who won $451million (£328million) on the lottery has revealed he wants to use his winnings to do “good for humanity” after quitting his job.

Shane Missler revealed his staggering win in a Facebook status update posted half an hour after the draw on Jan 5, writing: “Oh. My. God.” He immediately “retired” from his job at a background screening company, his lawyer confirmed, having won the fourthlargest Mega Millions jackpot in history

The overnight multi-millionaire, whose wealth now matches that of pop star Taylor Swift, said of his spending plans: “I’m only 20, but I hope to use it to pursue a variety of passions, help my family and do some good for humanity.”

He purchased the lucky ticket from a 7-Eleven newsagent in Port Richey, where his parents live, with the winnings from a scratchcard. Mr Missler added he just had “a feeling” he might win and credited the power of positive thinking for the outcome.

“If there is one thing I have learned thus far in my short time on Earth it is that those who maintain a positive mindset and stay true to themselves get rewarded,” he said. “I intend to take care of my family, have some fun along the way and cement a path for financial success so that I can leave a legacy far into the future.”

The American added that he has already taken a crash course in financial management and feels “fortunate to have this incredible wealth”.

He opted to receive his winnings in a onetime, lump-sum payment of $281million (£204million), instead of a larger amount over a longer period. He posted a day later: “This is only the beginning. I am truly grateful and most appreciative.”

Played in 44 US states, the record Mega Millions jackpot stands at $656million (£477million), won in March 2012.