News writer
The record-breaking $2.04 billion Powerball winner made headlines when he purchased a stunning Malibu property just months after his historic lottery win. Now, that same multi-million-dollar beachfront home has been reduced to ashes, one of thousands of properties destroyed by the devastating wildfires ravaging Los Angeles.
Once a symbol of newfound fortune, the home's charred remains tell a sobering story of nature's fury as communities across California battle blazes that have displaced thousands and caused unprecedented destruction. Edwin Castro's loss is just one thread in a larger tapestry of heartbreak and resilience as the city faces one of its worst wildfire seasons in history.
Malibu estate destroyed
Edwin Castro made waves after winning the record-breaking Powerball jackpot in November 2022. Shortly after his big win, he purchased the Malibu property for $3.8 million.
Now, according to the U.S. Sun, the mansion has been gutted by the wildfires that have been wreaking havoc on the Los Angeles area. The U.S. Sun obtained images of the property, which shows just waves hitting the beach where the lot remains.
The mansion is gone and all that remains are smoldering ashes. You can also see what looks like parts of the foundation from the home and what looks like planks of wood. The once beautiful coastal resort now appears to look like something out of an apocalyptic movie.
Problems since the big lottery win
While Castro has been enjoying life since his big lottery win, he has also been dealing with some legal and personal issues along the way. This Malibu home was the third property he bought just months after winning the lottery.
He also owns a $25.5 million mansion near the Chateau Marmont in West Hollywood and a home in Altadena, around 25 miles from Los Angeles.
While he holds the record for the biggest lottery jackpot in U.S. history, he also had to fight for that win. He was sued by Jose Rivera, who claimed he purchased the winning ticket and Castro stole it from him. After months of legal battles, a judge dismissed the case in August 2024, and Castro could finally enjoy his lottery win.
However, the U.S. Sun reported that Castro recently beefed up his security team around his Malibu mansion. Reports state drones were seen flying outside of the estate also.
Los Angeles wildfires
Now, after ramping up his security, his Malibu estate has been gutted. A series of wildfires continue to burn across Los Angeles, with the Palisades blaze causing the most damage.
According to the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection, there have been over 20,000 acres torched in flames, with only eight percent of the fire being contained in the Palisades. There have also been over 5,000 properties in the neighborhood that have either been damaged or destroyed.
Overall, there have been five fatalities due to the fires and almost 36,000 acres have burned. There have also been over 10,000 structures destroyed by the fires. Residents of the area were forced to evacuate, including A-listers Mandy Moore, Mark Hamill, and James Woods.
Officials said the damage from the blazes could be up to $150 billion. There has been one suspect arrested on suspicion of arson, and more than 1,000 firefighters have been deployed in California to help.
In a statement, President Joe Biden said the wildfires are the “worst ever” blazes to hit the city of Los Angeles.
Enjoy playing the California Lottery, and please remember to play responsibly.
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