Virginia mechanic stunned after online powerball ticket turns into $100k win — money big ID 905136 © Eti Swinford | Dreamstime.com

A Manassas man says an email from the Virginia Lottery changed his day after a random online ticket hit big

MANASSAS, Va. — A Manassas heavy equipment mechanic got the surprise of his life after checking an email from the Virginia Lottery and discovering an online Powerball ticket had turned into a $100K payday.

Ron Fortune purchased the Powerball ticket online for the April 11 drawing using Easy Pick numbers selected at random.

After the drawing, Fortune received an email from the Virginia Lottery informing him he had won.

Lottery officials said Fortune matched four of the first five numbers along with the Powerball number, which normally carries a $50,000 prize.

Because he added the Power Play option for an extra dollar, his winnings doubled to $100,000.

The winning numbers drawn April 11 were 6, 47, 49, 53 and 60, with Powerball number 6.

Fortune told lottery officials he was shocked by the win and plans to use the money to help pay bills.

Powerball drawings are held every Monday, Wednesday and Saturday at 10:59 p.m.

The odds of winning the Powerball jackpot are 1 in 292.2 million, while the overall odds of winning any prize are 1 in 25.

Virginia Lottery proceeds support K-12 education across the state. Lottery officials said Manassas City received more than $8.1 million in lottery funding for education during the last fiscal year.

The Virginia Lottery reported generating more than $901 million for K-12 education statewide during Fiscal Year 2025.

Help for gambling addiction is available through the Virginia Problem Gambling Helpline at 888-532-3500 by call, text or online chat.

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Key Points

Manassas man won $100K on online Powerball ticket
Power Play option doubled prize from $50K to $100K
Winner plans to use money to help pay bills

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Chris Quigley is a Staff Writer and Community News Correspondent for Shore News Network, where she covers local government, public safety, community affairs, politics, and issues impacting residents throughout New Jersey. Her reporting focuses on delivering timely, accurate, and relevant news that helps readers stay informed about the communities in which they live and work.

As a member of the Shore News Network editorial team, Quigley works closely with public officials, community leaders, first responders, and local organizations to provide factual coverage of breaking news, municipal government, public policy, and events affecting New Jersey residents. Her work highlights both major developments and the local stories that shape communities across the state.

Quigley is committed to responsible journalism, emphasizing accuracy, source verification, and transparency in every story she reports. She strives to present information in a clear and accessible manner, helping readers better understand the issues, decisions, and events that impact their daily lives.

Through her work at Shore News Network, Chris Quigley contributes to the organization's mission of providing trusted local news coverage, accountability reporting, and community-focused journalism throughout New Jersey.

Chris Quigley is a graduate of Stockton State University and began her career at IN Jersey, the online news and media branch of the Asbury Park Press. She also worked at Monmouth Internet, the Ocean Signal Newspaper, and JTOWN Magazine during her career in both content management and operations.

Degrees: Business B.A. - Stockton University

Experience and interests: Criminal Justice, Business, Animal Care, Entertainment, Lottery News, Local News