From Losing Ticket to $1M: Michigan Woman’s Life-Changing Win
A Michigan woman turned a “losing” lottery ticket into a life-changing win — and walked away $1 million richer and completely debt-free.
Michelle Roemer, 58, from Otsego, hit the jackpot during the Michigan Lottery’s Millionaire Maker Second Chance event held at a Grand Rapids Griffins game on April 10. What’s wild? Her entry came from scanning a non-winning ticket on the lottery’s mobile app — something she tried for the very first time.
Here’s how it all went down:
- Roemer was one of five finalists randomly picked to compete at the live event
- Another group of five participated earlier on April 8 at a Detroit Pistons game
- Contestants wore colored shirts that matched sections on a spinning prize wheel
- Wherever the wheel landed… that person took home $1 million
“When the wheel landed on blue, I was completely overwhelmed,” Roemer shared. “There’s nothing like that feeling — it truly changes everything.”
She even brought her own tradition into the moment, doing what she calls her “lottery lucky dance” while the wheel spun — and clearly, it paid off.
At first, she didn’t even believe the call telling her she’d been selected. “I honestly thought it was a scam,” she admitted.
What’s next for the new millionaire?
- ?? Pay off all debts
- ?? Plan a well-earned vacation
- ? Invest for the future
And she’s not the only big winner — Sarah Tawwater, 44, from Grosse Ile, also scored $1 million at the April 8 event in Detroit. Meanwhile, all other finalists at both events still walked away with $5,000 each.
