OHIO — A Fremont man who survived a devastating Fourth of July accident is now celebrating after winning a $500,000 Ohio Lottery prize.
According to the Ohio Lottery, Duane purchased a “Money Money Money” scratch-off ticket after work and scratched it off when he returned home. He said he was stunned when he uncovered the game’s top prize.
“I looked at it for a long time. At first, I thought something was wrong,” Duane said in a release from the Ohio Lottery.
Lottery officials said Duane and his 18-month-old daughter were struck by an antique tow truck during a July 4 parade years ago. Following the accident, Duane suffered multiple heart attacks, lost his job and faced years of financial hardship.
Despite the struggles, Duane said he and his family remained grateful to have survived.
Now, he says he plans to use some of the winnings to help others who supported him through those difficult years. He also plans to buy a new vehicle, take a family vacation and invest the remaining money.
After mandatory federal and state taxes totaling 26.75%, Duane will receive about $366,250.
The winning $10 “Money Money Money” scratch-off ticket was purchased at Hy-Miler #2244 on West State Street in Fremont.
The Ohio Lottery said four top prizes remain in the game as of May 21, 2026.
