The tragic death of Zoe Carroll, sister to the infamous National Lottery winner Michael Carroll, has left a deep void in the hearts of her family and community. Zoe, a mother of four, was found lifeless at her home in King’s Lynn, Norfolk. She was just 43 years old. An ongoing inquest confirmed that the cause of her untimely demise was cardiac arrest due to cocaine use.
Zoe had been gifted £1 million by her brother Michael when he won a staggering £10 million in the National Lottery in 2002. Despite the fortunes that touched her life, she was loved and admired for her qualities beyond her wealth. She was remembered as an “amazing person” who was “kind, caring, funny, outspoken, and true”.
Heartfelt tributes flooded social media, reflecting the profound impact Zoe had made in her community. One user reminisced, “Zoe was an amazing person who will be remembered forever… I’ll always be thankful to her for making my childhood better.” Another added, “You were one of the strongest fearless women I’d ever met, and I’ll always cherish all the memories we have had together.”
In the wake of her passing, a GoFundMe page was established to raise funds for her funeral. The community rallied around this cause, further testifying to the bonds she had fostered during her lifetime.
Meanwhile, Zoe’s brother Michael Carroll, once notorious for his extravagant lifestyle following his lottery win, has led a turbulent life. Winning the lottery at the young age of 19, he splurged his wealth on drugs, alcohol, and brothels. This reckless behaviour led him to bankruptcy by 2013, losing his home and his wife.
Despite his fall from grace, Michael has worked to rebuild his life. Returning to his old job as a binman and working stints at a biscuit factory and a slaughterhouse, he found contentment in simplicity. Today, he leads a “good, free lifestyle”, valuing the peace and stability that his new life brings.
Michael Carroll’s life, marred by mistakes and losses, is a testament to resilience. Despite the tumultuous journey, he harbours no regrets. As he puts it, “I don’t look back with any regrets, that’s for sure, I wouldn’t want to turn the clock back.” His story is a stark reminder of the fleeting nature of wealth and the enduring value of personal growth and contentment.