23 LI Coworkers Claim Record $437 Million Mega Millions Jackpot

A group of Long Island coworkers has claimed the largest jackpot in New York Lottery history. A 23-member group, which has chosen to remain anonymous, claimed a $437 million Mega Millions jackpot through the limited liability company New Life 2019, LLC, lottery officials announced Tuesday.

The winning ticket for the Jan. 1 drawing was sold at Brookville Auto Service on Route 25A in Glen Head.

They group opted to take the cash value of the prize, a single lump sum payment totaling $262,213,914 and will receive a net check of $176,155,308 after required state and federal withholding.

Representatives of New Life 2019 said they play the lottery weekly. Each member puts a dollar in an envelope that one member takes to purchase the group’s tickets.

As they all started showing up for work two days after the drawing, word spread that they won the Mega Millions jackpot. There was a lot of crying, hugging and jumping around that day. Many of the members double and triple checked the ticket in disbelief.

The representatives said that most of the employees will continue working because they view themselves as a family and not just co-workers. Plans among the New Life group for the winnings include new houses, college funds for their children, and travel.

Prior to New Life 2019 LLC’s $437 million win, the biggest jackpot in New York Lottery history was won by Harold Diamond of Wurtsboro. The retired elementary school principal was the sole winner of a $326 million Mega Millions jackpot in 2014.