A forgotten Powerball ticket worth $1 million almost slipped through the cracks—literally. On Christmas morning, a couple from Kendallville, Indiana, unearthed the life-changing ticket tucked between the seats of their car, just hours before the claim deadline.
The couple, who have chosen to remain anonymous, purchased the lucky ticket for the June 29 Powerball draw at Kendallville Finish Line. With the numbers 26, 51, 54, 61, and 69 (and a Powerball of 25), their ticket matched all five white balls, earning them a seven-figure payout. However, the ticket remained unnoticed for nearly six months, and the clock was ticking.
Indiana lottery prizes must be claimed within 180 days of the draw date. As the December 26 expiration loomed, the Hoosier Lottery ramped up efforts to alert the public, using news coverage and signage to remind players to check their tickets. The couple’s discovery highlights the power of these reminders.
“We saw the signs and news stories about an unclaimed ticket,” they shared. “It wasn’t a place we usually buy tickets, so we didn’t think it was ours. But something told us to look again.”
Their first search came up empty. With little hope left, the couple decided to make one last attempt. Rising early on Christmas morning, they scoured their car and finally struck gold. Finding the ticket was an emotional moment, they admitted. “It’s a day we’ll never forget.”
The claim was finalized just five hours before the deadline, marking the end of a whirlwind journey. The couple’s story is a powerful reminder to lottery players everywhere: check your tickets, even if you’re not sure you bought one for a particular draw. You never know where luck might be hiding!
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