A text from a co-worker reminded a man to check his lottery ticket. He then won $1.2M.
A lighthearted text from a co-worker led a man to learn that he had won $1.2 million after playing the California lottery.
On November 5, the night of Election Day, Michael Chavez woke up in the middle of the night for the results rather than checking the drawing for his MegaMillions ticket. According to lottery officials, he purchased it from a liquor store in Los Angeles County.
It wasn't until his colleague texted him when he didn't show up to work that he remembered the ticket.
"Chavez said he'd forgotten to tell his staff he wouldn't be at the office, and his co-worker joked that he knew the reason for his absence, sending him a screenshot of the Mega Millions results from the California Lottery website," lottery officials said in a news release.
Lottery:Mega Millions winning numbers for January 28 drawing: Jackpot rises to $44 million
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'I'm so excited'
The text conversation between Chavez and his co-worker shows the moment Chavez realized he might be a winner.
"Is that why you not here boss," the co-worker wrote with a screenshot of the results.
"Holy (expletive) I haven't checked mine," Chavez responded. "That's where I bought my ticket."
When Chavez finally checked, he realized he had five of the six numbers and won $1,214,818, lottery officials said. According to the news release, the liquor store received over $6,000 for selling the ticket.
"I could not believe my eyes. I'm so excited and extremely grateful," Chavez told officials. "I'll never forget election night or especially that text.'
Taylor Ardrey is a news reporter for USA TODAY. You can reach her at tardrey@gannett.com.
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