An Iowa resident, aged 61, who recently won a whopping $40 million jackpot (Ksh. 5.3 billion), expressed disbelief upon hearing the news of his good fortune, as he had purchased the ticket on April Fools’ Day.
Earl Lape, a retired mechanic, was quoted by the AP news agency as saying that he had initially thought it was a joke and laughed it off. However, his doubts were put to rest when he confirmed the ticket with a convenience store clerk.
Although the prize was to be paid over 29 years as an annuity, Lape chose to receive the cash prize, which amounted to Ksh. 2.8 billion ($21.28 million) for the drawing.
Lape stated that he intends to use the money to help his family and make charitable donations towards children with medical issues.