5/12/2011 - 3:31 PM

New Orleans Area Resident Claims Lotto Jackpot

Terri Humberson wasn't feeling well and was in no mood for her husband's pranks when he shook her out of her sleep Saturday night to tell her they had won the $972,099 Lotto jackpot from that night's draw.

"I said 'you're kidding' and went back to sleep," said the New Orleans area resident. "It wasn't until I woke up the next morning and checked the numbers for myself that I actually believed him."

"I checked the numbers two or three times before I went to tell her," explained her husband, James. "It was just surreal."

Humberson purchased his winning ticket from Winn Dixie #1583 on W. Airline Highway in LaPlace.  The retailer will receive a one-time selling bonus of $9,720, or 1 percent of the jackpot prize, for selling Humberson his winning ticket.

Humberson, who plans to pay bills and set up a retirement account with his winnings, received $680,469 after state and federal taxes were withheld.

The winning numbers for the May 7 Lotto drawing were 2-6-15-16-24-28.

Ticket purchasers must be at least 21 years of age. The Lottery encourages anyone who may have a gambling problem or friends and family of anyone with a gambling problem to call toll free 1-877-770-7867 for help.

For security purposes, the Lottery strongly encourages players to sign the back of their tickets immediately after purchasing. More information about other Lotto winners can be found in the "Meet Our Winners" section.