NC woman collapses after becoming first Powerball millionaire of 2024

A North Carolina woman fell to the floor on live television when she became the first Powerball millionaire of 2024. 

Pamela Bradshaw collapsed to the ground in shock after Ryan Seacrest called out her number live on “Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve” shortly after midnight. 

“Pamela! You’re a millionaire!” Seacrest announced as Bradshaw fell.

After getting back on her feet, with the help of the host and her daughter Joanna Hinson, a stunned Bradshaw screamed, “Oh my god!” 

The mom then “thanked god” for the once-in-a-lifetime moment. 

“I’m so blessed,” she said as her daughter hugged her tight. 

Seacrest revealed that Bradshaw had promised to give a “little bit” of the money to her daughter and encouraged her to give Hinson a bigger chunk of the cash. 

This marks the second year in a row that a North Carolinian has won $1 million on New Year’s Eve, according to the North Carolina Lottery.

Bradshaw, who has never been to New York City before, won a VIP trip to New York City through a second-chance drawing held by the state lottery. 

She became one of five Powerball players chosen across the nation at a chance of winning $1 million. 

Not only was it the Clinton woman’s first time seeing the Statue of Liberty, but her first time flying on a plane, according to the NC Lottery. 

“I cried on the plane ride and I cried at the Statue of Liberty,” she told the lottery. “It’s just been so incredible.”

Her VIP trip included a four-day, three-night stay in the Big Apple. 

Bradshaw said she wants to use the money to buy a home. 

“I would love to have my own home that is mine and that I feel safe in,” Bradshaw told the lottery. “Not anything fancy or big, just a little cottage or something with one or two bedrooms.”