Gerald Muswagon, a 42-year-old from Manitoba, Canada, won a $10 million (£8 million) jackpot in 1998 after purchasing a $2 Super 7 ticket. However, his life spiralled out of control following the win, culminating in his suicide seven years later.
According to reports, Muswagon spent his winnings on flashy cars, a large home that became a 'party pad', and lavish gifts for friends. He reportedly bought eight big-screen televisions in a single day to hand out to loved ones. Rumours circulated that he had blown much of the cash on alcohol and drugs.
His cousin, Mike Muswagon, said Gerald lacked proper guidance after the win. 'He didn't have the right people around him at the time, people who could have guided him,' Mike said. A couple of years after the jackpot, Gerald started a lumber company called Gerald's Logging, but it soon failed due to a lack of business.
In October 2000, Gerald was involved in a police chase, reaching speeds of 111 mph in his new Chevy Silverado. He pleaded guilty to reckless driving and was jailed for three months. Years later, after his wife's death, he pleaded guilty to sexual assault charges and served another three months in prison. By then, most of his money was gone, and he worked manual labour on a farm to support his girlfriend and six children.
Struggling with depression, Gerald took his own life in his parents' garage in 2005. His lawyer, Tim Valgardson, noted that Gerald had difficulty adjusting after the win, coming from a background with little education. Mike added, 'He had been very depressed lately, although he kept that part of him well hidden.'
For emotional support in the UK, call the Samaritans 24-hour helpline on 116 123 or email jo@samaritans.org. In the US, dial the National Suicide Prevention hotline at 1-800-273-8255.
