Naperville Retiree Wins Largest Illinois Lottery Prize Ever

Written by Shannon Antinori

Lottery officials on Tuesday afternoon announced the winner of the largest prize in Illinois Lottery officials.

Jesus Davila Jr., a 70-year-old retiree from Naperville, won a $265 million jackpot in the Jan. 16 Mega Millions drawing.

Davila said he was at home in Naperville when he watched the drawing on television and jotted down the numbers, according to the Chicago Tribune. After comparing the numbers to his ticket, Davila realized the first five numbers matched and believed he had won $1 million. But he showed the ticket to his son, who realized all six numbers matched — and Davila was the $265 million winner.

The winning ticket was a $5 Quick Pick purchased at Bucky’s Express in Glendale Heights. The shop will receive $500,00 for selling the ticket.

Davila, a retired professional driver, was born in Puerto Rico before moving to the U.S. at age 6, according to the Tribune. He has three sons, one daughter and four grandkids.

After taxes, Davila will receive a one-time cash payout of $178 million.