Brookhaven Couple Wins $246 Million Powerball Jackpot

BROOKHAVEN, GA – William and Heather ten Broeke of Brookhaven won the Sept. 17 Powerball drawing of more than $246 million.

The couple claimed their prize on Monday at the Georgia Lottery headquarters.

The ten Broekes was grocery shopping when Heather reminded her husband to buy a Powerball ticket for the drawing. “Aren’t you going to get a ticket?” she asked.

“Without her reminding me to buy the ticket, we wouldn’t have won,” said William.

The ten Broekes selected the cash option for the winnings, which totaled $165,613,511 before taxes.

A few days after the drawing, they checked their ticket after seeing news reports that the winning ticket purchased in their area still hadn’t been claimed.

“We were shocked,” Mr. ten Broeke said. “We couldn't believe it. We checked the numbers numerous times.”

Married five years, the couple have one child and two dogs.

Williams works as a commercial credit officer, while his wife is a cardiac device specialist.

Their immediate plans are to invest, travel, help family and donate to charity.

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Image: Georgia Lottery Corp. President and CEO Debbie D. Alford (right) presents a big check for $246 million to William and Heather ten Broeke. Courtesy Georgia Lottery