The largest-ever New York lottery jackpot found its winner in a tight corner. Juan Rodriguez, 49, was in serious debt when he bought a lucky lottery ticket on the day he was declared bankrupt.
The car park attendant, who had just 53 cents in the bank, won the $149 million jackpot that may drastically change his life.
Rodriquez was born in Colombia and moved to New York 8 years ago. He started working in a garage on 49th Street but he struggled for money. His money problems even led to the break up of his marriage.
'One minute I'm broke, now I've so much money I don't know what to do with it,' admitted Juan Rodriguez. 'I give thanks to the man upstairs for giving me the opportunity. I am going to do with it all I can.'
The jackpot will help to solve both his financial and private problems. Juan now can pay off his debts and return to his home in Queens, New York, where his wife lives. Juan is also going to help his pregnant daughter, Katty, whose baby girl is due in February.
