Woman wins $26 million in the lottery, then makes a fatal mistake!

Norwalk, California - It seems like this woman pushed her luck a tiny bit too far.

Did this woman just miss out on her chance of becoming a millionaire? (stock image)
Did this woman just miss out on her chance of becoming a millionaire? (stock image)  © 123RF/Olga Yastremska

The winning numbers for California's $26 million SuperLotto Plus prize were drawn on November 14 last year: 23, 36, 12, 31, 13, and the mega number of 10.

As ABC News reported, employees at an Arco AM/PM convenience store in Norwalk couldn't believe their eyes, as they knew they had sold a winning ticket not long before.

This meant that not only had they just made a person a multimillionaire, they would be entitled to a small bonus as well.

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But their excitement turned to confusion when the time for redeeming the ticket expired on Thursday without anyone claiming it.

Who on earth would pass up such an opportunity?

A woman eventually came forward to say that she has won the lottery, but she was unable to prove because of a "minor" mishap. As she explained to the staff of the AM/PM on Wednesday, she had put the ticket in her jeans pocket.

When she did her laundry shortly afterwards, she completely forgot to take it out. That's a whole new way to think about money laundering!

California Lottery officials are investigating the claim

Store employee Esperanza Hernandez revealed to Whittier Daily News that a security camera captured the winner, who is already known to employees, purchasing a lottery ticket a few months ago.

But is that enough evidence to let her get away with the price?

A copy of the video footage has been forwarded to California Lottery officials, who must now review the case and investigate the claim.

If the woman is unlucky enough to miss out on the money, her misfortune will at least be put to good use: whenever a prize is not claimed, the cash option (in this case $19.7 million) will be donated to California public schools.

Cover photo: 123RF/Olga Yastremska

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