Powerball jackpot: A 22-year-old man won millions overnight, but his lottery dream ended in tragedy

Madeline Cove

The Nightly

2 Min Read

5 hours ago

Updated

1 hour ago

Joshua Winslet had only $19 left in his bank account when he bought a last-minute ticket in a $100 million Powerball draw. Credit: The Nightly

Just over five years ago, 22-year-old plumber Joshua Winslet had only $19 left in his bank account when he bought a last-minute ticket in a $100 million Powerball draw.

Against all odds, he became the winner of a $22 million prize.

Mr Winslet had endured a childhood of relentless bullying due to rare medical conditions, so the win was supposed to be a fresh start.

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He suffered from Duane syndrome and Goldenhar syndrome, congenital conditions that caused facial abnormalities, heart irregularities, and a single horseshoe-shaped kidney, according to the Daily Mail.

Isolated and ridiculed throughout school, Mr Winslet left in Year 10 and later moved to New Zealand’s South Island in search of work.

Friends recall their disbelief when Mr Winslet called to share the good news.

“It was something that doesn’t happen to someone like Josh,” one said.

Joshua Winslet won $22 million when he lived in New Zealand and returned to Adelaide with his winnings. Credit: Unknown/Supplied

Initially, Mr Winslet handled his new wealth responsibly. With the help of a trust managed by his parents, he purchased several investment properties in Australia and New Zealand. But the fairytale didn’t last.

Friends say he soon became immersed in a drug-fuelled lifestyle. Despite pleas from those close to him, Mr Winslet was drawn to people who used him for access to his drug supply.

Things rapidly started to unravel, and in 2020, police raided his Adelaide home, seizing MDMA, cocaine, a firearm, and ammunition.

He was convicted of drug and weapon charges and given a suspended jail sentence with a good behaviour bond. During sentencing, the judge pointed to the corrosive effects of sudden wealth, saying Mr Winslet had “no motivation” to do anything but indulge.

Joshua Winslet won $22 million when he lived in New Zealand and returned to Adelaide with his winnings. Inside his house that was used for drugs and partying
MUST CREDIT: SA Courts — Joshua Winslet won $22 million when he lived in New Zealand and returned to Adelaide with his winnings. Inside his house that was used for drugs and partying MUST CREDIT: SA Courts Credit: Unknown/SA Courts

Photos from the home revealed a shocking descent — bongs, empty food containers, and drug paraphernalia scattered throughout a squalid mansion. Amid the chaos was a framed screenshot of the winning lottery ticket, now a haunting reminder of the win that changed everything.

Friends described his paranoia, substance abuse, and emotional decline. One friend remembered warning him bluntly: “You need to stop this or you’re going to die.” He didn’t listen.

In late 2022, the tragedy that many feared came true.

Mr Winslet died at home from health complications related to excessive drug use. His death, though unreported at the time, sent shockwaves through those who had tried to help him.

Lifeline: 13 11 14. If you or someone you know needs help, phone SANE Australia Helpline on 1800 18 SANE (7263).