Million Dollar Fish 2024 winner Keegan Payne apologises for stolen buggy

A teen who became an instant millionaire after winning a fishing comp was forced to make a sad admission on TV. Now there’s been a beautiful development in the story.

Million Dollar Fish 2024 winner Keegan Payne apologises for stolen buggy. Picture: Pema Tamang Pakhrin

A teenager who became an instant millionaire after winning an elusive fishing tournament has offered to repay his old boss after being confronted about stealing a buggy on live TV.

Keegan Payne, 19, from Katherine in the Northern Territory, made national headlines on Monday after hooking a barramundi worth $1 million on Sunday morning.

However, on Wednesday morning, during a live interview with Sky News’ Peter Stefanovic, questions turned to a dark chapter of the teenager’s past.

“There is a claim online that you stole a Polaris Ranger and Polaris quad that you and your friends stole and damaged from a business a few years back, first of all, is that true?” Stefanovic asked.

Mr Payne responded, “Yes”.

Mr Payne, seemingly remorseful, added he and his friends “weren’t thinking at the time”.

“(We were) still young at that age,” he said.

Mr Payne said he regretted the act “big time”.

As for whether or not the newly-minted millionaire would pay for his damages against the business – he instead apologised to its owner.

“Bob Cavanagh, (the business owner) I’ve finally done it, I’m richer,” he said.

“Sorry about your buggy, and I wish I could pay you back. I’m very sorry. Sorry for you and your wife and your business.”

Keegan Payne caught a 67cm barramundi which had been tagged as part of a nine-year-long Million Dollar Fish angling competition. Picture: Facebook

In a moving twist, Mr Payne’s old boss – Bob Cavanagh from Cav’s Mowing in the Northern Territory – revealed he had received a touching offer on Wednesday.

“Out of the blue this morning, his father rang me and said, ‘Keegan wants to repay you,’ and you could have knocked me down with a feather,” Mr Cavanagh told Daily Mail Australia.

“He said Keegan has always felt so terrible for what he did.”

The 19-year-old was remorseful when asked about stealing from his old boss. Picture: Pema Tamang Pakhrin

Mr Cavanagh said he never held a grudge against Keegan over the buggy theft, describing it as a “one-off” mistake from a “good kid”.

“There’s not too many of us go through life without stuffing up somewhere along the line,’ he said.

“There’s no point going through this life carrying grudges.”

Mr Payne expressed his remorse and apologised to the owner of the business for the act. Picture: Pema Tamang Pakhrin

Teenager’s incredible catch

The teen caught the 67cm barramundi which had been tagged as part of a nine-year-long Million Dollar Fish angling competition, in the Katherine River, 317km south of Darwin, while on a fishing trip with his family.

“This is crazy for us. We’re a big family. There’s eight of us. This is more money than we could ever ask for. This is just great,” Mr Payne said of the win on Tuesday.

“It means so much. This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for me. I’m happy, really happy.

“I can buy what I want, maybe help dad and mum out with the home loans.”

And Mr Payne landed the fish just in time with this season of the fishing competition ending at midnight Tuesday.

Originally published as Million Dollar Fish 2024 winner Keegan Payne apologises for stolen buggy