A self-identified “Crazy Cat Lady” from Monument.
And a visitor from the United Kingdom with fortuitous timing.
Those were the two winners who split last week’s $25 million Colorado Lotto+ jackpot, as announced late Wednesday by The Colorado Lottery.
By choice, neither of the women wished to be fully identified. Newfound multi-millionaires will have to suffice.
The $25 million total jackpot came close to a state record. It had gone unclaimed since last March and wound up just falling short of a $27 million prize that was won in 1992.
The two winning tickets — matching all six numbers of 5, 8, 12, 18, 36 and 40 — were chosen in the Jan. 19 drawing. The winners were sold at the Safeway fuel center at 626 Highway 105 in Monument and Winners Circle in Pueblo via the Jackpocket mobile app.
Purrr-fect timing for the “Crazy Cat Lady”
This unidentified winner from Monument claimed her prize on Jan. 26 at the Colorado Lottery claims office in Pueblo.
She decided on the annuity option that will spread here $12.5 million over 25 graduated annual payments. The first two payments, she says, will go to paying off her mortgage and some bills.
The lucky Lotto player also is an avid knitter. She said she’s looking forward to a post-pandemic world where she can travel the United States and meet other yarn lovers.
Her lone cat at the moment — she previously owned six at one time — certainly won’t be neglected, either. A gilded food dish just might be in her feline companion’s near-future.
Centennial State visitor has enriching experience
The other winner only wished to be identified as Charlotte F.
She claimed her half of the prize Jan. 25 in Fort Collins.
It is unknown if she elected the annual installment payment plan as well. The other option was choosing a lump-sum amount of $6.25 million before taxes.
Either way, this fortunate United Kingdom resident’s Colorado visit more than paid for itself.
