Texas trust steps forward to claim the other half of $1.8bn Powerball prize

• The second part of the phenomenal $1.8bn Powerball September prize has been claimed
• The winners are a trust from Texas, who are true to the state and its values
• This is the largest single lottery prize won in the Lone Star State

After a long search for the second winner of the eye-watering $1.8bn prize won in the September drawing of the Powerball, the winners have stepped forward as a trust from Texas.

The Seven Bridges Revocable Trust of Fredericksburg, Texas, has not offered much insight into who they may be, but released a statement in which they confirmed that they will now be claiming the pre-tax $410m prize as a one-off payment option.

Lottery trusts are very popular, and they are created to specifically shield the identity of the people who win, as well as organize multiple people into a safe and trusted way of distributing any funds after a win, especially a multi-million dollar one.

As to the winners, they appeared to be upstanding Texas citizens and had this to say:

"We are Texas true to the state and its values. We believe in family, in faith, and in the blessings that come through both. This is a moment of gratitude for us, a blessing we plan to enjoy and share with those who are special to us and who serve our community."

This is the largest single lottery win in the history of Texas, which has prompted excitement and pride among the lottery's top brass. The winning numbers were 11, 23, 44, 61, 62, and the red Powerball – 17.

Courtney Arbour, the executive director of the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation, commented on the event: "We’re excited to celebrate this milestone with the claimant of the largest jackpot prize in Texas Lottery history."

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