A Florida resident has secured an eye-watering lottery win just weeks after Hurricane Ian battered their home.
The ticket, bought in crisis-hit Fort Myers last week, secured a lucky player an incredible $494m (£450m) prize as the state recovers from the devastating storms.
But the winner still hasn't come forward as the hunt starts for the ticket holder who made the purchase in the city’s Colonial Boulevard days after the winds finally relented.
The individual was not the only person who purchased a Mega Millions ticket, with the winning numbers of 9, 22, 26, 41, 44 on Friday.
Someone in San Jose, California, also has a huge prize to collect - and still hasn't claimed the life changing sum.
"While we are always thrilled for all our winners, this win feels slightly more meaningful,” lottery officials said in a statement.
Official also said they hoped that the money from the Mega Millions ticket could “have a positive impact” on the area, with children now returning to school in some areas affected by the lethal storm.
7-Eleven officials were thrilled that both of the winning tickets were purchased at their stores.
“We’ve always known our customers across the nation are winners! We couldn’t be happier that these extra lucky customers won in 7-Eleven stores in Fort Myers, FL and San Jose, CA,” a spokesperson said.
Hurricane Ian caused at least 140 fatalities, including 129 in Florida.
The devastation of the category four storm is still being felt and t he Florida county has seen a surge in cases of flesh-eating bacteria illnesses and deaths.
Lee County officials have recorded 29 illnesses and four deaths owing to the bacteria, with all-but two cases were diagnosed after the hurricane.
"The Florida Department of Health in Lee County is observing an abnormal increase in cases of Vibrio vulnificus infections as a result of exposure to the flood-waters and standing waters following Hurricane Ian," a spokesperson at the county health department said.
"Sewage spills, like those caused from Hurricane Ian, may increase bacteria levels," the statement continued. "As the post-storm situation evolves, individuals should take precautions against infection and illness caused by Vibrio vulnificus."
