METHUEN, Mass. — A Massachusetts man paid back a friend who did a good deed for his son in a very big way.
When Eric Cochrane, of Methuen, claimed a $1 million prize in the Massachusetts State Lottery’s “$10,000,000 Winter Riches” instant ticket game on Friday, he shared it with John Galvin, who owns a local music shop, WFXT-TV reported.
According to a news release from the Massachusetts lottery, Cochrane had brought his ailing son’s guitar to Galvin’s shop for repair. Because Cochrane’s son was facing a health issue, Galvin did not charge for the repair, lottery officials said.
Cochrane asked Galvin to accept at least $40 in payment, but the store owner refused. According to the news release, Cochrane decided to buy two $20 instant tickets and told Galvin, “If I win $1 million, we are splitting it.”
That’s what happened. Cochrane took the lump-sum cash option for $650,000 before taxes. He will split the cash with Galvin, as promised.
The winning ticket was bought at the Howe Street Superette in Methuen, lottery officials said. The store will receive a $10,000 bonus for selling the ticket.