Troubled lottery winner who scooped jackpot aged 17 is found dead at home

The 29-year-old won almost 2 million when he hit the jackpot in November 1997, aged 17. He was one of 13 people to share the 25 million jackpot, and he famously toasted his win with Coca-Cola because he was too young to drink champagne.

The former trainee pharmacist from Neilston in Renfrewshire spent his winnings on new homes for his parents, who had separated, an executive seat at Celtic Park and a new house for himself in secluded Buittle Bridge, in Castle Douglas.

He also gave 15,000 to Yorkhill Hospital in Glasgow, where his younger brother was treated for a genetic disorder.

But, in a 2003 interview, he told of the strain of winning the lottery at such a young age.

He said: "It was very hard to deal with all the attention I got. I even had people camping outside my house. It put a huge strain on me and my family."

On his page on social networking site Bebo, Mr Donnelly admitted that he was scared of socialising, and listed his activities as: "Sleeping, watching TV, listening to music, surfing the net. Basically, anything that involves not leaving the house."

A message left on the page yesterday read: "Can't believe you're gone. I'm gonna miss you a hell of a lot. R.I.P."

After winning the lottery, Mr Donnelly sold his two-bedroom flat in Neilston and moved to Castle Douglas with his sick father, Danny, who was suffering from polio.

The Celtic fan bought the detached home for 129,000 before spending a large sum transforming it into a millionaire's paradise.

The teenager was well-known for his generosity, as he distributed his wealth among aunts and uncles.

He was devastated by his father's sudden death from a heart attack while the pair were on holiday in the Far East.

They had holidayed in Thailand and bought property there.

At the time of the win, his father said: "I couldn't get a better son. He's the nicest person you could meet.

"He doesn't drink, smoke or take drugs. He's here to look after me round the clock."

He added: "Even if he wasn't a millionaire, he would still be a super son."

A Dumfries and Galloway police spokesman said that there were no suspicious circumstances surrounding the death.

They said: "We can confirm we are investigating the death of 29-year-old Stuart Donnelly from the Castle Douglas area.

"The procurator fiscal has been informed of the death. Early investigations suggest that there are no suspicious circumstances and a post mortem is being arranged."

His mother May, 52, and the rest of the family were on holiday in Portugal when they heard the devastating news of Mr Donnelly's death.

A close family friend said: "Stuart always found this time of year tough without his dad because they were so close."

It is understood his body was discovered on Tuesday after his mother sent a relative to check on Mr Donnelly.