Brits Whose Lives Were Destroyed by ‘Lottery Curse’ After They Became Millionaires
Winning the lottery may seem like a dream come true, but for some “lucky” winners, scooping a huge jackpot has had a disastrous effect on their lives. While money can bring comfort and solve problems, it can also introduce a whole new set of challenges. Many jackpot winners have seen their lives spiral out of control after a big win abruptly changed everything for them.
Their stories often follow a similar pattern, where joy turns to despair as they either squander their winnings or face new stresses due to their sudden wealth. Some winners have seen their lives transformed for the better by the influx of cash, but others have experienced relief when their fortunes disappeared, turning their windfalls into nightmares.
As tonight’s Euromillions jackpot hits an estimated £70 million, for those dreaming of that big win, here is a look at a few past winners whose lives were ruined by their so-called good fortune.
Karl Crompton, who won £10.9 million on the National Lottery in 1996, fell victim to the “lottery curse” when his childhood sweetheart left him after building a life together with two children. Despite doubling his cash through smart investments, his wife’s departure plunged him into heartbreak, leaving friends concerned about his well-being.
Margaret Loughrey, a lottery winner who bagged almost €32 million in 2013, described her sudden fortune as a nightmare. The pressure of managing her windfall drove her to cut ties with her family, despite generously gifting 1 million to each family member and close friends. The repercussions of her win led to personal struggles and legal issues.
Meanwhile, Colin and Christine Weir’s £161 million Euromillions win in 2011 saw them become Scotland’s biggest Lotto winners before facing challenges that led to a split in their relationship and a substantial reduction in their fortune following Colin’s passing.
These are just a few examples of lottery winners whose lives took a downward spiral after striking it rich. Their experiences serve as cautionary tales highlighting the complexities and challenges that can accompany sudden wealth. As the allure of lottery jackpots continues to capture the public’s imagination, these stories shed light on the darker side of winning big.