Fremont Couple Comes Forward As Winners Of $52 Million Jackpot
FREMONT (CBS SF) -- A Fremont couple down on their luck is reeling after realizing they were the winners of a $52 million lottery draw, California lottery officials said Friday.
Bladimir and Marita Agnite had yet to claim their Mega Millions winnings from July 27, when Bladimir Agnite's in-laws told him this week he was on the lottery's website.
The Fremont resident had purchased the ticket from the Kwik Stop at 3157 Walnut Ave. in Fremont, and this week a snapshot image from the store's surveillance video was posted online and given to the media in an effort to identify the potential multi-millionaire, lottery officials said.
Marita Agnite told lottery officials after she saw her husband's photograph wanted on the lottery website, she started crying.
"He hugged me and we just cried and cried," she said.
The couple has seen hard times with Bladimir laid off from his job at a printing company and the couple and their children depending on Marita's job as a nursing assistant at a hospital.
Despite the win, Marita told lotto officials she would continue working.
"You can't just quit the job," she said. "You never know what's going to happen."
With the influx of money the couple hopes to buy a home after resorting to living with friends at one point.
As for their children, the Agnites hope despite their newfound riches, they will remain grounded and hard working. Now college for the children seems feasible, the humble mother said.
Bladimir had checked the ticket multiple times at grocery stores before claiming the prize, but explained to lotto officials he hadn't seen the amount it was worth—hence the month-long wait.
The winning numbers in the draw were 2, 3, 4, 8, 43 and Mega No. 26.
Winners have one full year to claim the Mega Millions jackpot. All other lottery wins expire after six months.
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