We all dream about winning the lottery. Even though the chances of winning are less than being eaten by a shark or struck by lightning (or something else just as crazy), we all still run to the convenience store to get a ticket at the last minute. We dream about what we’d spend the money on and practice the epic “I quit” speech for our bosses.
But there’s a dark side to lottery winning, as these folks show.
Here’s a list of all the insane stories of people winning the lottery and ruining their lives. From spending the winnings completely on drugs to being hunted down by hit men to investing in a secret life, you won’t believe the things money does to people. Some of these stories don’t even sound like real life, they are so incredible. Just wait until you get to number 12!
14. Tonda Lynn Dickerson
First lesson: always pay your taxes. For Tonda Lynn Dickerson, this lesson hit home. She got lucky and won $10 million while working at a waffle house. After being sued by several co-workers and a waffle house regular for not sharing the winnings, she ended up losing everything she won anyway because she “forgot” to pay the taxes. While this certainly isn’t a happy ending, we’re just easing you in. Keep reading to hear the really unbelievable stuff!
13. Roger and Lara Griffiths
This couple’s dream came true when they hit it big in 2005, but unfortunately, their dream quickly became a nightmare. After spending their winnings on extravagant vacations, outrageously expensive vehicles, and Roger’s efforts at becoming a famous musician, the couple struggled financially. It was then that their home caught fire and burned down. Sadly, their relationship ended and the two now live separate lives.
12. William “Bud’ Post III
This is one of the saddest stories you may ever hear. William “Bud” Post III was raised in an orphanage after his mother’s death when he was 8 and his father sent him away. He struggled all his life with money and relationships, including after he won the lottery. Post was sued by his landlady (and sometimes girlfriend) for not sharing the wealth and was ordered to give her one-third of his winnings. Then his brother hired a hit man to kill Post so he could have his money. By the time of his death, Post was $1 million in debt and lived on only $450 a month.
11.Keith Gough
This one sounds like the storyline of a movie. Keith Gough’s wife won the lottery, causing the couple to do what every lottery winner does: quit their jobs and buy a mansion. But for Keith, it was too much and he began drinking heavily out of boredom and pressure. While going to rehab, he met a shady con-man who talked him into several corrupt deals and swindled him out of millions of dollars. Eventually, Keith’s alcoholism led to his unfortunate death in 2010. It’s definitely a sad story, but you haven’t heard anything yet! Just wait until you read number 6!
10. Luke Pittard
Perhaps we should all take a page out of Luke Pittard’s book. After winning the lottery back in July of 2006, he and his girlfriend spend the money on a beautiful wedding and a luxurious trip to the Canary Islands. After settling into a new mansion with his family, instead of carelessly spending his money, this millionaire decided to return to his old job at McDonalds saying that a little hard work never hurt anyone.
