New Hampshire Man Wins $500 Million Powerball Jackpot After Forgetting Ticket in Coat Pocket for Two Weeks
CONCORD, New Hampshire — A New Hampshire man is now $500 million richer after discovering a Powerball ticket he had forgotten in his coat pocket for two weeks turned out to be the grand prize winner.
The winner, identified as 52-year-old Robert Jenkins of Concord, purchased the ticket at a local convenience store on January 4th. He placed the ticket in his winter coat and forgot about it until his wife asked him to clean the pockets. When he checked the ticket online, he discovered the numbers matched the January 5th drawing.
Lottery officials confirmed the ticket was validated on January 19th, making it the largest lottery prize ever won in the state of New Hampshire. The winning numbers were 12, 23, 34, 45, 56, and Powerball 7.
Jenkins opted for the lump sum cash payment of $345 million before taxes. He stated he plans to use the money to pay off his mortgage, help his children with college tuition, and donate $10 million to local charities. The store where the ticket was purchased will receive a $50,000 bonus for selling the winning ticket.
"I couldn't believe it when I saw the numbers," Jenkins said in a press conference. "I almost threw the coat in the wash, and that ticket would have been destroyed."
The New Hampshire Lottery Commission reminded residents to check their tickets promptly, as unclaimed prizes expire after one year. In the meantime, Jenkins has hired a financial advisor and a security team to manage his newfound wealth.