Lottery winner burned through $50 million of prize money by spending $131k a week

One of the largest lottery winners in the UK successfully exhausted £40 million ($50 million) of his winnings, spending £100,000 ($131,000) per week. While many fantasize about winning the lottery, acquiring mansions, luxurious cars, and escaping the need to work, some fortunate individuals actually hit the jackpot and transform their lives overnight. Colin Weir held the winning ticket that secured an astounding £161 million ($200 million) EuroMillions jackpot in 2011, making it the second-largest EuroMillions jackpot at that time. Despite the substantial windfall, Weir managed to deplete a quarter of this colossal fortune before his passing in 2019. Before becoming a lottery winner, Weir had a career as a cameraman for Scottish broadcaster STV, and his wife Christine, whom he later divorced in 2018, worked as a psychiatric nurse.

Hailing from Largs in North Ayrshire, Colin Weir passed away in 2019 due to sepsis and "acute kidney injury," and his remaining wealth was inherited by his two children.

Following his demise, disclosed documents outlined Weir's expenditures, which encompassed opulent real estate, high-end vehicles, investments in a soccer club, and the establishment of a charitable trust.

Regrettably, the Weir Charitable Trust fell victim to a scam in 2015, where fraudulent emails purportedly from them offered cash. Scottish authorities issued warnings about suspicious emails, highlighting that the couple had faced multiple scam attempts since publicly revealing their lottery win in 2011.

Part of the windfall also contributed to donations for the Scottish National Party's independence campaign. Scotland's First Minister, Nicola Sturgeon, expressed deep sadness upon Weir's passing and paid tribute to him.

She remarked at that moment, "The extent of Colin's dedication and generosity towards the cause of Scottish independence cannot be emphasized enough and was greatly acknowledged. The SNP and the independence movement have suffered the loss of a genuine ally, and his absence will be deeply felt."

In addition to contributing to political causes, Weir delved into sports investments, acquiring a 55 percent stake in Partick Thistle Football Club shortly before his passing, with the intention of eventually returning ownership to the local community.

Weir also ventured into horse racing, owning three thoroughbreds, including Knighted and Felony, both geldings, and an Irish mare named If You Say Run, as reported by the Independent.

Allocating £3.5 million ($4.3 million), Weir purchased Frognal House, a property the couple bought with all its furnishings after just a brief 10-minute viewing. Subsequently, he spent thousands on renovations over the years. Following their 2018 divorce, Frognal House was transferred to Weir's ex-wife, while he acquired a seafront residence known as The Mansions for £1.1 million ($1.4 million), where he resided until his passing.

Known for his affinity for luxury vehicles, Weir maintained a modest fleet that reportedly included a vintage Bentley Arnage, a Jaguar F-Pace SUV, and several Mercedes cars.

At the time of his demise, Weir possessed artwork, furniture, and jewelry valued at approximately £212,000 ($262,000), along with savings and investment bonds.

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