Inside story of Lottery winner who took home £390k aged 16 while working at parents’ green grocer… before tragedy hit
ONE of the UK’s youngest National Lottery winners scooped up a whopping £390k while working at his parents’ green grocer – before tragedy hit.
Callum Fitzpatrick – who bagged the win when he was just 16 – died suddenly at age 23.
Callum worked at his parents’ grocery store when he won the life-changing sum.
The Man Utd fan, from Ballymartin, County Down, realised he had the winning numbers when he was babysitting for his Aunt Geraldine in 2014.
He said at the time he planned to buy a car and to see his team play at Old Trafford, the Mirror reported.
But tragedy struck when Callum passed away suddenly due to unknown circumstances.
A spokesman for his local football team Ballymartin GAC said the club was “deeply shocked and saddened by the tragic sudden passing of our friend and teammate.”
They added: “The entire community of Ballymartin and surrounding area of Mourne is heartbroken.”
They went on to say: “A wonderful, intelligent young man, a great friend and teammate, tragically has left this life too soon.”
The club cancelled on-field play at its grounds out of respect.
Callum, who had been living in Belfast, died in June 2021 in unknown circumstances.
He left behind dad Colin, mum Sheila and sisters Tierna, Corragh and Meagh.
Those who knew him paid tribute to Callum at the time.
Susan Hayes wrote: “Rest in peace Callum- always a gentleman! Thoughts and prayers are with you all. Cherish the beautiful memories you made together.”
Erin O’Hanlon said he was an “amazing person inside and out”.
Eamonn Mac An Bhaird added: “Callum will be missed, his quick wit, sense of humour, smile and style. RIP Callum.”
His death was described as “completely devastating” by mourners at his funeral.
Callum had completed a Civil Engineering degree at Ulster University.