Michigan Lottery Winner Discovers $1 Million Ticket During Routine Store Visit
A Michigan man got the surprise of a lifetime after discovering that a Powerball ticket he had been carrying in his wallet for nearly two months was worth $1 million!
Michael Vander Lugt, 54, from Wyoming, Michigan, purchased the winning ticket at Big Top Market for the August 8 Powerball drawing. However, he never checked the results and completely forgot about the ticket.
How Did He Discover His $1 Million Win?
The unexpected discovery happened during a routine stop at a convenience store. Vander Lugt went to buy a soft drink but realized he didn't have enough cash. Instead of using his card, he handed the cashier a few lottery tickets he believed were worth small prizes.
While scanning them, the cashier noticed something unusual. One ticket displayed a message instructing him to claim his prize at the Michigan Lottery office.
Curious, Vander Lugt returned to his car and checked the winning numbers. That's when he realized he had matched all five white balls.
"I recognized the numbers as soon as I saw them and started freaking out!" he recalled, adding that he couldn't believe the ticket had been sitting in his wallet for almost two months.
Winning Powerball Numbers
The winning numbers for the August 8 drawing were:
05 – 09 – 35 – 54 – 63
His ticket matched all five white balls, securing a $1 million prize.
What Will He Do With the Money?
Vander Lugt has officially collected his $1 million winnings at Michigan Lottery headquarters.
He plans to:
- Pay off his mortgage.
- Invest the remaining money.
What started as a quick stop to buy a soft drink turned into a life-changing moment he certainly won't forget!