Akron ticket reveals $1. 2m shock after second look
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Akron ticket reveals $1.2M shock after second look

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By
April 24, 2026
1 min read

Sparrow surprise leads Akron man to $1.2M lottery windfall

Akron, OH — A lunchtime encounter with a small bird turned into a $1.2M lottery payout for an Akron man who later uncovered a top prize hidden in a scratch-off ticket he nearly misunderstood.

The man said a sparrow flew into his car and landed on the passenger-side floor while he was eating lunch, an event he viewed as unusual at the time. About a week later, he stopped at Carnegie Pantry at the BP station on Carnegie Avenue, where he purchased three Set for Life scratch-off tickets.

After returning to work, he scratched the tickets later that evening. The first was not a winner, but the second revealed the word Life, prompting him to scan it using the Ohio Lottery app. Initially believing he had won $120,000, he contacted his wife to share the news.

A closer review of the ticket showed the prize was significantly larger. The ticket carried the game’s top prize of $10,000 per month for 20 years, totaling $2.4M. The winner chose the lump sum option of $1.2M and, after taxes, is expected to receive $879,000.

The winner and his wife said they plan to consult a financial advisor before making decisions about the funds.

Set for Life is a $10 Ohio Lottery scratch-off game with overall odds of 1 in 3.63. As of Wednesday, one top prize remains unclaimed.

Key Points

  • Akron man won $1.2M lump sum from Set for Life scratch-off
  • Prize originally appeared as $120,000 before full value confirmed
  • Winning ticket purchased at BP station on Carnegie Avenue
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Chris Quigley
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Chris Quigley

Chris Quigley is a Staff Writer and Community News Correspondent for Shore News Network, where she covers local government, public safety, community affairs, politics, and issues impacting residents throughout New Jersey. Her reporting focuses on delivering timely, accurate, and relevant news that helps readers stay informed about the communities in which they live and work.

As a member of the Shore News Network editorial team, Quigley works closely with public officials, community leaders, first responders, and local organizations to provide factual coverage of breaking news, municipal government, public policy, and events affecting New Jersey residents. Her work highlights both major developments and the local stories that shape communities across the state.

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