“I’m a very fortunate human being.”
That was the message Jerry Heath had for the California Lottery after winning a life-changing $44.3 million Powerball jackpot.
Heath, a retired Long Beach police detective and U.S. Army veteran, purchased his winning ticket at a Ralphs in Dana Point for a drawing held in August.
A graduate of Cal State Long Beach — previously Long Beach State College — Heath said he came from humble roots and a low-income upbringing. He said he plays the lottery for fun and to support the overarching mission to support California’s public education system.
The money, Heath says, won’t change his priorities or the person he is today.
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“I can’t forget where I came from now that I’m a multimillionaire,” Heath said. “I don’t really travel; playing the lottery is my only luxury.”
He told Lottery officials that he plans to share the winnings with his daughter and grandchildren, while still allowing himself the excitement of playing lottery games.
He was a daily lottery player before winning the Powerball — now he has his sights set on SuperLotto Plus, a game exclusive to California.
Heath will hope to become the next Terry Thomas, who claimed a $54 million SuperLotto Plus jackpot from a July drawing. Thomas purchased her ticket in Woodland, the California Lottery said.
California Lottery players will have a chance to join them in the millionaire’s club following Tuesday night’s Mega Millions drawing. Ticket sales to get a piece of the $541 million jackpot close 15 minutes before the 8 p.m. drawing.
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