Search in on for the winner in Lowell, Massachusetts
The winner of the largest lottery prize in Massachusetts state history remained anonymous yesterday as rumors swirled about the person's identity and state officials boosted the staggering jackpot by another $4 million.
The unidentified winner, who has a year to claim the $294 Mega Millions pot, can choose between a 26-year annuity - with an $11 million annual payment before taxes - and a lump sum payment totaling $117 million after taxes.
Officials with the state lottery commission boosted the jackpot yesterday after sales figures showed the winner is due another $4 million.
Meanwhile, speculation swirled around the Lowell liquor store that sold the winning ticket. People wondered who it could be that is hiding in the shadows with a passport to financial freedom in hand.
Could it be that they don't even know they have it?
There were rumors about certain patrons of Powers Wine Co. and their sisters and cousins, and some people were saying a Lowell firefighter was the lucky winner.
"I've heard a lot of rumors and that one keeps coming up," said a Lowell fire dispatcher. "But nothing has been confirmed."
Nobody has commented on this story yet.