Pinehurst woman runs out of Mountain Dew and into $100K Powerball win

After Pinehurst resident Rose Anderson finished her supply of Diet Mountain Dew, she stopped at the store to get more, added a Powerball ticket, and won a $100,000 prize on Monday.

“I didn’t plan to stop there that day, but I remembered I was out of Diet Mountain Dew,” she laughed. “I guess I have my thirst to thank.”

Anderson bought her lucky $3 Quick Pick ticket from Quality Mart on Old U.S. 1 South in Southern Pines. She matched the numbers on four white balls and the red Powerball to win $50,000. Her prize doubled to $100,000 when the 2X multiplier hit.

“I was speechless,” she said. “I just literally sat there looking at it for a while.”

Anderson said she shared the prize with her fiancé, Newton McCurdey Jr.

“I called him on the phone and said, ‘I think I won $100,000,’’ she recalled.

They arrived at lottery headquarters Wednesday to claim the prize. They each claimed $50,000 and, after required federal and state tax withholdings, both took home $35,625.

“I’m going to take care of some bills and then help some people that I know who need some help,” Anderson said.

Contributed.