Massachusetts man’s stop leads to $2,500 a Week for Life State Lottery prize; here is how he plans to spend it

A Massachusetts man’s need for an item turned into a big payday after hitting on a State Lottery scratch ticket.

According to the Massachusetts State Lottery, Alfred LaRoche of Amesbury is the first $2,500 a week for life prize winner in the Massachusetts State Lottery’s new “$2,500 a Week for Life” $10 instant ticket game that went on sale on Tuesday, February 18.

LaRoche chose the cash option on his prize and received a one-time payment of $2,000,000 (before taxes). He plans on building a new cottage with his winnings.

LaRoche, a carpenter who was stopping to buy sugar, said 19 is his lucky number, leading him to purchase this ticket because it was #19 in the book of tickets on display. He said the clerk even rubbed the ticket for good luck before handing it to him.

The winning ticket was purchased at Black Duck Market & Deli, 12 Federal St. in Newburyport. The store will receive a $26,000 bonus for its sale of this ticket.

Seven $2,500 a Week for Life prizes remain in the game.