Initially, she intended to purchase a Powerball ticket at Lakewood Cap & Cork but accidentally selected Mega Millions. She was annoyed by the error and had no expectations of winning.
On the day of the drawing, March 13, strong winds caused power and internet outages, preventing her from checking the results.
It wasn't until the following evening that she checked the ticket and discovered she had won $100,000.
The woman said she barely slept because she kept re-checking the numbers.
Another unexpected moment occurred when she went to the lottery office to claim her prize. In Ohio, amidst the excitement, she forgot to put her car in park and nearly stepped out while it was still moving. She managed to react quickly and avoid an accident.
The winning ticket featured the numbers 6-19-36-40-55 and Mega Ball 9. She won $10,000 for matching four numbers and the Mega Ball, which was then boosted to $100,000 thanks to a 10x multiplier.
According to the Ohio Lottery, the odds of winning this prize are approximately 1 in 893,761.
After 26.75% in federal and state taxes, her take-home amount was approximately $73,250.
The winner plans to support her grandchildren, pay off her car loan, and save the remainder, avoiding legal troubles like the case where an Arizona employee was sued over a winning lottery ticket.
She called the win a “miracle” that helps relieve financial pressure in her life.
