In 2017, Joshua Winslet, a 22-year-old plumber, purchased a lottery ticket on a whim while having just $19 (£9) left in his bank account. To his astonishment, he became the sole winner of Australia’s Powerball $100 million (£47.9m) draw, taking home a staggering $22 million (around £11m).
Born with two rare congenital conditions—Duane syndrome, which limits eye movement, and Goldenhar syndrome, causing underdeveloped facial bones and muscles—Joshua faced relentless bullying throughout his childhood. Despite plastic surgeries aimed at easing the physical effects, his early life was fraught with hardship. After brief university studies, he pursued a plumbing apprenticeship and relocated to New Zealand’s South Island in search of better opportunities.
His plumbing career struggled, and fortune struck just as he was nearly broke. Friends initially doubted his lottery win, astonished by his good luck. At first, Joshua appeared to handle his wealth responsibly, investing in properties across South Australia and New Zealand and entrusting the remainder to a family-managed trust.
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However, the pressures and temptations of sudden wealth soon overwhelmed him. His Adelaide mansion transformed into a relentless party venue, teeming with alcohol, drugs, and chaos. A copy of his winning lottery ticket hung on a wall amid the disorder.
In 2020, police raided the home, uncovering ecstasy, cocaine, and an unlicensed handgun. Joshua pleaded guilty to drug supply and firearm possession charges. In 2022, he was sentenced to nearly four years in jail, but the sentence was suspended in favor of a good behavior bond. The presiding judge noted his lack of motivation to work, fueled by newfound riches.
Despite warnings from friends, Joshua’s substance abuse worsened. In December 2022, less than six months after his court hearing, he was found dead at home due to health complications linked to his drug use.
Joshua Winslet’s story is a stark reminder that sudden fortune does not guarantee happiness or stability, especially when personal struggles and substance abuse remain unaddressed.