Euromillions Jackpot Winner Colin Weir Dies After Short Illness

After winning one of the UK's biggest ever Euromillions jackpots, Colin Weir has died after a short illness.

Colin, and his wife Chris, scooped the £161 million prize in July 2011. But the pair, who have two grown up children together, announced their divorce earlier this year after 38 years of marriage.

A spokesperson for his lawyers said: "It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Colin Weir early today after a short illness.

"We would ask for privacy for his family and friends at this distressing time.

"No further comment will be made other than to offer sincere thanks to the staff of University Hospital Ayr for their care and compassion."

PA

The 71-year-old used to be a TV cameraman, and his then-wife, was a psychiatric nurse. The pair, from Largs in North Ayrshire, shot into the Sunday Times Rich List when they won the Euromillions.

However, at the time, they decided against an extravagant holiday, instead go to Brighton to decide how they were going to spend their new found fortune.

Mr Weir revealed that one of the first items they bought was a checked sports jacket like one worn by Scotsport legend Arthur Montford.

They also bought themselves the £850,000 Knock House, a four-bed detached property that had 23 acres of gardens and woodland on the outskirts of Largs.

Colin said at the time: "We didn't want to go away and live on a small island with no contact with the people who are important to us."

First reports of the pair's split were revealed in April this year, with confirmation of their divorce released in September.

PA

The couple set up The Weir Charitable Trust in 2013, making a donation to a community football club in their hometown. They also invested in Partick Thistle Football Club, leading to the youth club renaming as the Thistle Weir Youth Academy. A section of the Firhill Stadium was also named the Colin Weir Stand.

The club tweeted: "It is with deep sadness that we confirm that lifelong Jags fan Colin Weir passed away earlier today.

"On behalf of everyone at Partick Thistle, our love, thoughts and prayers are with the family and close friends of Colin at this most difficult time."

Amelia Ward

Amelia is a journalist at LADbible. After studying journalism at Liverpool John Moores and Salford Uni (don't ask), she went into PR and then the world of music. After a few years working on festivals and events, she went back to her roots. In her spare time, Amelia likes music, Liverpool FC, and spending good, quality time with her cat, Paul. You can contact Amelia at [email protected].

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