A winner of a $US1.765 billion Powerball jackpot prize, the second-largest in US lottery history, was identified earlier this month as 65-year-old Theodorus Struyck — and now his neighbours fear for his safety.
He was named as the representative of the winning syndicate which purchased the ticket at a liquor store in southern California in October last year.
Once his win was made public, he was nowhere to be found when media outlets came calling and neighbours — most who said they don’t know where he is — hope he increases his security measures when he returns.
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One neighbour said he hopes Struyck is simply out enjoying his winnings and will ultimately choose to stay in Frazier Park, a town with just 3000 people.
“I hope he doesn’t sell, he’s a great neighbour, he’s completely humble,” Kevin Woten said.
“I wonder if he’s on an around-the-world vacation right now. I couldn’t blame him at all.”
It took Struyck and his syndicate five months to claim the prize, and locals in the town, about 160km north of Los Angeles, had begun to wonder about the winners.
“I thought for a while we were going to go down as the dumbest town on earth, speaking frankly,” local video store owner Jonathan Mathews said.
“Just to lose a ticket like that – I could only imagine.”
The California Lottery, which was required to reveal Struyck’s name under the state’s public disclosure laws, announced the win on March 15.
It was also required to share the name of the outlet where the winning ticket was purchased — the family-owned booze shop Midway Market which is in walking distance from Struyck’s home.
Media flocked to his home, and appear to have exposed his new billionaire status to neighbours as they door-knocked in search of him.
But the retiree was nowhere in sight.
Struyck’s neighbour Rick Kotnik, who often chats to him about fishing, told NBC he didn’t know where Struyck was: “And if I knew, I wouldn’t tell you.”
“He adores his grandchildren,” another neighbour, Mary Dreier, said.
“He’s just really pleasant to have around. I noticed yesterday he put up that No Trespassing sign.”
Neighbours are also reportedly keeping a close eye on his property, fearing for his safety.
“We’re keeping an eye out, but you worry about shady people up to no good,” Woten told the US Sun.
“I’m worried someone might come by and put a sack over his head, throw him in a van, and take him off, that sort of thing.
“I’m hoping he’ll look into security (when he returns). You have to with that amount of money.”
— With reporting from Robert Price, KGET TV 17, and Jonathan Lloyd, NBC.
If you’re concerned about your gambling or the gambling of a friend or family member, log on to Gambling Help Online or make contact via phone on 1800 858 858.
You can access online counselling as well as services in your state or territory and support for family and friends.
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