Keith Gough, a Shropshire man who won £9 million on the National Lottery in 2005, died just five years later after claiming the windfall 'ruined his life.' The former baker passed away at age 58 from alcohol-related health issues, including a heart attack triggered by drinking and stress.
From Baker to Jackpot Winner
Before his win, Gough worked as a baker and lived with his wife Louise in a modest £160,000 semi-detached home in Bridgnorth. He purchased the winning ticket at a local newsagent owned by Barbara Homer. Her husband, John Homer, recalled the moment: 'It was a Wednesday and a rollover from the previous Saturday.'
Initially, Gough described his win as a dream come true. 'I have never had any dreams come true before and now I suppose I don't have to have any dreams,' he said at the time. Newsagent Barbara Homer called it a 'great boost for the area,' adding: 'It's something you can only dream of and you never think it will happen locally.'
The Downward Spiral
Despite the initial excitement, Gough's life quickly unraveled. He quit his bakery job and split from his wife. Without the structure of daily routine, he grew bored and turned to excessive drinking. In a 2009 interview, a year before his death, he revealed: 'My life was brilliant. But the lottery has ruined everything. What's the point of having money when it sends you to bed crying?' He added: 'Without routine in my life I started to spend, spend, spend - in the end I was just bored. Before the win all I would drink was some wine with a meal. I used to be popular but I've driven away all my friends. I don't trust anyone any more.'
Gough splurged on extravagant purchases, including an executive box at Aston Villa's stadium costing £350,000, racehorses, and a luxury BMW. After his marriage ended in 2007, his ex-wife Louise gave him an additional £1.5 million. He moved to a £1 million rented property in Cheshire, hiring a chauffeur and gardener on combined wages of £40,000.
Fraud and Rehab
Gough's drinking led him to check into the Priory clinic in Birmingham, where he met convicted con artist James Prince. Prince, who was bankrupt with debts of £144,000, defrauded Gough of £700,000 by convincing him to invest in bogus business schemes. During the trial at Chester Crown Court, Prince was described as a 'parasite' who targeted an 'easy and vulnerable' victim. He received a three-year-and-four-month prison sentence for the fraud, which took place between 2006 and 2008.
Death and Legacy
Gough passed away in 2010, just five years after his win. Reports indicated he 'drank himself to death,' with alcohol and stress contributing to a fatal heart attack. Friend and local councillor Les Winwood paid tribute: 'He knew he'd made mistakes with the money but was never bitter and was a great man to know. He had a lot of friends.' Newsagent John Homer added: 'He was larger than life, a smashing bloke who will be sorely missed. It may sound strange, but winning the money was probably the worst thing that could have happened to him. It is very sad.'
Contrary to widespread belief that Gough died penniless, his will later revealed an estate worth nearly £800,000. The story serves as a cautionary tale about the potential pitfalls of sudden wealth.
