A St. Mary’s County woman says a number connected to her late brother’s funeral became the key to a $50,000 Maryland Lottery prize that is now sending her family to Jamaica.
CALIFORNIA, Md. — A St. Mary’s County woman won $50,000 after continuing to play a five-digit Pick 5 number she adopted following her brother’s death, according to the Maryland Lottery.
The woman, who chose the alias “Porky,” said she began playing the number after noticing a five-digit code associated with her late brother’s funeral services several years ago.
That number was drawn straight in the Maryland Lottery Pick 5 midday drawing on June 24, earning her the $50,000 top-tier prize.
The winner told lottery officials she usually buys a week’s worth of tickets at Accokeek Gas & Go but doesn’t always check the drawings right away.
She discovered the winning ticket while relaxing on her couch at her home in the California community of St. Mary’s County.
Before this win, her largest lottery prize had been $800.
The winner said she plans to use part of the money to pay bills and take a vacation to Jamaica with her son and her best friend.
She also said she intends to continue playing the lottery, and her recent win has encouraged her best friend to start playing as well.
The winning ticket was purchased at Accokeek Gas & Go, 201 Bryan Point Road in Prince George’s County.
The retailer will receive a $500 bonus for selling the top-tier winning Pick 5 ticket.
Key Points
- A St. Mary’s County woman won $50,000 playing a Pick 5 number connected to her late brother.
- The winning number hit in the June 24 midday drawing.
- The prize will help fund a trip to Jamaica and pay household bills.
