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#3603 GRP

Essex Man Misses $17 Million By One Number
Wins $250,000 Second-Tier Mega Millions Prize

(Baltimore) – When an Essex man checked his Mega Millions tickets from Friday night’s drawing on the Lottery’s website, he didn’t have to go past the first ticket he purchased.  That’s because the ticket had five of the winning numbers.    He came to Lottery headquarters today to claim his $250,000 prize.  

The 54-year-old missed winning the $17 million jackpot by one Mega Ball number.  His number was 20 and the winning Mega Ball number was 21.  But the lucky player was happy with the game’s second-tier prize.   “I still have to let it all sink in,” said the winner.  “I was very happy when I saw that I won.” 

The avid Lottery player’s wife is the only person that knows he won.  He told Lottery officials he plans to pay off bills and take a vacation.  The winning ticket was purchased at 7-Eleven on Honeygo Boulevard in Baltimore County.     

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