North Carolina man says ‘wild hair’ led to $10 million win

STANLEY, N.C. (WGHP) — Sean McIntosh, of Maiden, said a ‘wild hair’ convinced him to buy a $50 scratch-off Wednesday that led to a $10 million prize, according to an NC Education Lottery news release.

“If I get a wild hair to do something, I’m going to listen,” he said.

McIntosh bought the winning $10 Million Spectacular ticket from Jones Exxon Inc. on N.C. 16 South in Stanley.

“It was actually the first time I’ve bought a $50 ticket,” he said. “I won $100 earlier on a $5 ticket, so I decided to give it a try.”

McIntosh said he didn’t know how to react when he found out he won.

“It’s just been a blur since then,” he said. “When you buy it, you never really expect something like this to actually happen.”

When McIntosh arrived to collect his winnings, he had a decision to make. He could choose to receive the prize as an annuity of $500,000 a year over 20 years or take a lump sum of $6 million.

He chose the lump sum of $6 million.

After state and federal tax withholdings, he took home $4,290,014.

McIntosh said he plans to invest his winnings and use it to take care of his children.