Michigan man claims $337M Powerball prize

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LANSING, Mich., Aug. 31 (UPI) -- Donald Lawson, 44, of Lapeer, Mich., said he "lost his breath" when he learned he held a winning Powerball ticket worth $337 million.

Lawson appeared at the Michigan Lottery headquarters in Lansing, Mich., Friday. He chose to take the $224.6 million cash option for his prize, the Detroit News reported.

The drawing was conducted Aug. 15.

"I kind of lost my breath," Lawson said, recalling the moment he realized the ticket he purchased at a gas station in his hometown was a huge winner.

Lawson is the father of two children, CNN reported.

He said he quit his job as a railroad engineer when he discovered he had won the lottery.

"I might escape for now and go somewhere safe. I can go anywhere in the world," Lawson said.