Shawn Keeley, who was in his 30s, became an instant millionaire when he scooped £1m on a scratch card in 2020 — friends and family are paying tribute online following the heartbreaking news of his sudden death in the Philippines
Tributes are pouring in for Irish Lotto winner Shawn Keeley, 30s, who died suddenly in the Philippines.
Shawn became an overnight millionaire aged 26 when he won £1m after buying a scratch card back in 2020. It is understood the former shop manager had moved to the Philippines before his unexpected death.
Friends and family have shared heartfelt tributes online. “I can’t believe he’s gone,” declared one devastated friend. “Shawn was a man who could light up any room as soon as he walked into it. My thoughts and prayers are with his family.” the friend added.
A former work colleague said: “Was heart broken to hear this sad news about Shawn. I had the pleasure of working with you in eurospar and many a laugh we had. Rest in peace and condolences to all the family.”
A third person said: “Heart breaking news to hear about Shaun, he was the life and soul of many a night out and had a heart of gold too. RIP Shaun. Thoughts and prayers with all your family at this sad time.”
Shawn’s death notice was posted on social media by McLaughlin Funeral Directors, Dungiven, Co Derry, reports the Irish Mirror. It read: “We regret to inform you that the death has taken place of Shawn Keeley suddenly but peacefully on 23rd of May 2026. May he rest in peace. Late of the Philippines and formerly of 38 Lackagh Park, Dungiven, Co Derry.
“Beloved son of Tiney and Noel and loving brother of Christopher, Paul and Gauvin. Will be very sadly missed by his partner E.J. Very deeply regretted by all his aunts, uncles, cousins and the entire family circle. Wake and funeral arrangements later.
“Family flowers only, donations if wished in memory of Kevin Bell Repatriation Trust (KBRT) c/o McLaughlin Funeral Directors or you can donate online using the following link – https://buy.stripe.com/8x2bJ2bVKamq0dIdDc04811
“Saint Joseph patron of the departed souls intercede for him.”
Reflecting on his major triumph back in 2020, Shawn recalled: “It all started when I bought a couple of £3 scratchcards on the Friday night. I won £30 on those so, as I was leaving work around 5.30pm on Saturday evening, I bought a couple of £5 scratch cards with my winnings.
“Normally I’d scratch them in the car but on this occasion, I took them home with me as I had to get ready to go to a socially distanced garden party with a few friends that night. I actually forgot about the scratch cards in my jacket pocket so when I got home, I had a shower and got ready to go out.
“Then I remembered the cards, took them out of my jacket and started scratching around 7pm. All of a sudden, I could see that my numbers matched and the card was telling me that I had won the top prize of one million pounds!”
