National

Husband wakes up to wife screaming. Then he saw ‘astonishing’ Maryland lottery prize

By Paloma Chavez

August 7, 2024 4:10 PM

A man woke up to his wife screaming after she learned of her massive lottery win after midnight, Maryland officials said.

Tawny Barnwell bought two $2 quick-pick tickets in Frederick County, according to an Aug. 7 news release by the Maryland Lottery.

The retail worker had no idea the June 20 drawing would reveal a $540,000 jackpot prize, officials said.

Barnwell plays the Multi-Match drawing often and had the numbers picked for her, officials said.

“I looked at it. I looked at it and I kept looking at it. I couldn’t believe it,” Barnwell told lottery officials. “It was astonishing.”

Barnwell plans to put the money toward her grandchildren and a new home, officials said.

Frederick County is about a 50-mile drive northwest of Baltimore.

Many people can gamble or play games of chance without harm. However, for some, gambling is an addiction that can ruin lives and families.

If you or a loved one shows signs of gambling addiction, you can seek help by calling the national gambling hotline at 1-800-522-4700 or visiting the National Council on Problem Gambling website.

Paloma Chavez

McClatchy DC

Paloma Chavez is a reporter covering real-time news on the West Coast. She has a degree in journalism from the University of Southern California.