Reticent Lottery Winner Identified
After more than a week of silence, the holder of a winning lottery ticket purchased at a local supermarket has stepped forward to claim his prize.
Francis Thompson, a former Air Force pilot, was one of two people to match all six numbers in the $22-million jackpot drawn May 24, said a spokesman with the California Lottery.
Thompson, 80, purchased the winning ticket at the Albertson’s on Reino Road. He asked lottery officials not to release further information about him, including his city of residence, when he claimed his prize June 2.
“He doesn’t want any publicity,” said spokeswoman Norma Minas.
Thompson chose the lump-sum payment, which means he will get slightly more than $5 million, Minas said.
The other winner, Jackson Wang, also opted for a cash payout. He purchased his winning ticket in Van Nuys.
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