Every cloud has its silver lining and that’s exactly what Shannon Miller of Carencro experienced when he claimed the $126,688 Easy 5 jackpot from the Oct. 26 drawing at the Louisiana Lottery’s Lafayette office.

“I had a hard year,” Miller explained. “I was laid off, one sister had surgery, another sister was not supposed to live and a best friend passed away.”

Miller said winning the jackpot feels unbelievable. He received $88,681 after federal and state taxes were withheld. He plans to use his winnings to pay off his home.

Miller bought his winning ticket from Corner Stop Shell in Breaux Bridge. The store will receive a one-time selling bonus of $1,266 or 1 percent of the jackpot prize. The winning numbers for the drawing were 01-03-09-10-13. 

Lottery ticket purchasers must be at least 21 years of age. Draw-style game tickets must be claimed within 180 days of the drawing. Anyone who may have a gambling problem or friends and family of anyone with a gambling problem should call toll free 1-877-770-7867 for help. 

For security purposes, the Lottery strongly encourages players to sign the back of their tickets immediately after purchasing. More information about Lotto and other jackpot winners can be found on the Lottery’s website, www.louisianalottery.com.