ATLANTIC CITY, N.J. – A Cape May County couple claimed half the record $390 million millions jackpot on Monday, and said they are now retired — effective immediately.
Elaine and Harold Messner, whose ages, occupations and hometown were not immediately available, chose the cash option from the March 6 drawing. They will receive $116,557,083 before the 25 percent federal withholding tax.
"We feel very fortunate and blessed," said Harold Messner, who purchased the winning ticket, in a statement released by New Jersey Lottery. "This is that early retirement we've always dreamed of. Now we can do all those things we said we would do once we retired."
A truck driver in Georgia had the other winning ticket.
Harold Messner said he was surprised when he saw the quick pick he had purchased at Campark Liquors in Woodbine had all the winning numbers. He says he and his wife didn't sleep for the rest of the night.
The Messners said they wanted to talk to a financial adviser before coming forward.
Get all the stories you need-to-know from the most powerful name in news delivered first thing every morning to your inbox