Moline Mystery: Woman Wins $1 Million Lottery By Accident

Moline Mystery: Woman Wins $1 Million Lottery By AccidentMoline Mystery: Woman Wins $1 Million Lottery By Accident In a peculiar twist of fate, a woman from Moline, Illinois, has become a millionaire through an accidental purchase of a lottery ticket. Josie Thompson, a 62-year-old grandmother, was visiting a local Walgreens store when she noticed a line forming at the lottery ticket machine. Curious, she decided to join the queue. As she reached the machine, she was startled to find a discarded ticket lying on the ground next to it. Picking it up, she realized it was a scratch-off ticket for the Illinois Lottery. “I couldn’t believe my eyes,” Thompson said. “I had never bought a lottery ticket in my life before.” Despite her initial hesitation, Thompson decided to scratch off the ticket right then and there. To her astonishment, three winning symbols appeared, indicating a prize of $1 million. “I thought I was going to faint,” she recalled. “I just stood there in shock for a few minutes.” Thompson immediately called her daughter and husband, who couldn’t believe the news. She then contacted the Illinois Lottery officials to claim her prize. Lottery officials investigated the incident and confirmed that the ticket had indeed been purchased by another person, who had accidentally dropped it. However, the person who dropped the ticket could not be identified. Under Illinois Lottery rules, whoever has possession of a winning ticket is entitled to the prize, regardless of how they obtained it. “I’m so grateful for this incredible stroke of luck,” Thompson said. “I’ve been blessed with the opportunity to secure my family’s future and give back to my community.” Thompson plans to use her winnings to pay off her mortgage, help her children with their education, and donate to local charities. The Moline Mystery has become a cautionary tale for lottery players to always keep their tickets safe. It has also highlighted the unexpected ways in which fortune can find those who are open to it.