Friendship worth a million bucks: MA lottery winner splits prize after friend’s good deed

METHUEN, Mass. — A Methuen man is splitting his lottery winnings with his friend, who came through in a meaningful way for his son earlier that week.

Eric Cochrane won the $1 million prize in the Massachusetts State Lottery’s “$10,000,000 Winter Riches” instant ticket game. He will split the prize with John Galvin, the owner of a guitar store who repaired a guitar belonging to Cochrane’s son free of charge.

“Aware that Cochrane’s son had a health issue earlier in the week, Galvin did not charge Cochrane for the repair,” according to a press release from the State Lottery.

Cochrane wanted Galvin to accept at least $40 for the repairs. When Galvin turned it down, Cochrane bought two $20 instant tickets and told his friend, “If I win $1 million, we are splitting it.”

Cochrane made good on his word an hour later, when the pair claimed their prize at the lottery headquarters.

Cochrane chose the cash option and received a one-time payment of $650,000 before taxes.

The winning ticket was purchased at Howe Street Superette in Methuen. The store will receive a $10,000 bonus for its sale.

This is a developing story. Check back for updates as more information becomes available.

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