A Wisconsin man kept his word nearly three decades later. In a heartwarming twist of fate, Thomas Cook splits jackpot win with friend Joseph Feeney after hitting a $22 million Powerball prize.
The two men made a pact in 1992 to share the jackpot if either of them won. In June, that promise finally came true when Cook bought the winning ticket at a Menomonie gas station.
Cook was eating breakfast when he checked the numbers.
“When I read the first two or three numbers, I kind of froze,” he said.
He passed the ticket to his wife.
“She froze,” he added with a laugh.
Without hesitation, Cook called Feeney to tell him the life-changing news. Feeney thought he was joking at first, but soon realized the truth.
Why Cook Splits Jackpot Win With Friend Without a Second Thought
The two friends had played the lottery for years. Week after week, they bought tickets with no real expectation. But when Cook finally won big, he remembered the handshake deal they made in 1992.
“A handshake’s a handshake, man,” Cook said in an interview.
They chose the lump sum payout of $16.7 million. After taxes, both men walked away with around $5.7 million each. Feeney, already retired from the fire department, didn’t make big plans. Cook, now a grandfather and great-grandfather, retired after the win.
“We can pursue what we feel comfortable with,” he said.
“I can’t think of a better way to retire.”
Both men say they don’t plan to spend lavishly. Instead, they want to enjoy time with family and maybe do a little traveling.
Wisconsin Lottery Director Cindy Polzin celebrated the win:
“The power of friendship and a handshake has paid off. I’m thrilled for them, their lucky day has arrived!”
This moment marks Wisconsin’s first Powerball jackpot win since 2019. The gas station that sold the winning ticket earned a $100,000 bonus.
Once again, Cook splits jackpot win with friend, just like he promised 28 years ago.
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