The winner of a $560m (£400m) Powerball jackpot in New Hampshire has claimed her prize, opting for a lump sum of $352m, according to US media. The woman, identified only as 'Jane Doe' in court filings, is fighting to keep her identity secret, a battle that has drawn national attention.
Lawyer William Shaheen, representing the winner, collected the winnings on Wednesday. He stated that his client 'doesn't want any accolades' and intends to donate $50m to charity. Donations of $150,000 to Girls Inc and $33,000 to End 68 Hours of Hunger chapters have already been made.
New Hampshire is one of several states that require lottery winners to be publicly named. The winner filed a lawsuit to remain anonymous, arguing that revealing her identity would threaten her safety and privacy. Court documents cited her desire for 'the freedom to walk into a grocery store or attend public events without being known or targeted.'
Only six US states allow winners to remain anonymous: Delaware, Kansas, Maryland, North Dakota, South Carolina, and Ohio. New Hampshire permits winners to claim via a trust, as was done in 2016 by a $487m Powerball winner. However, Jane Doe signed her ticket before seeking legal advice, which she called a 'huge mistake.'
Lottery lawyer Jason Kurland noted that winners often feel overwhelmed and face pressure from family and friends. He warned that sudden wealth can lead to tragedy, citing the case of Billie Bob Harrell Jr, who won $31m in 1997 and later died by suicide. Kurland said the lottery industry wants to publicise winners to legitimise the game, but anonymity can protect winners from such pitfalls.
Shaheen confirmed that his client will continue donating to charities, stating: 'She believes that if we raise good children we will have a good country.' The legal battle over her identity continues.
