Forgotten scratch-off turns into surprise win weeks later
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Forgotten scratch-off turns into surprise win weeks later

by
March 30, 2026
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Missed scratch-off turns into $50K win after ticket sits untouched for weeks

EMMITSBURG, Md. — A quick roadside stop nearly turned into a missed opportunity after a scratch-off ticket sat untouched for weeks — until a reminder changed everything.

A Pennsylvania truck driver, David Costella of Gettysburg, picked up two scratch-off tickets during a stop at a Rutter’s on Taneytown Pike while traveling with family earlier this month.

Then he forgot about them.

The tickets sat untouched for nearly two weeks before his wife came across them while cleaning and urged him to check them.

What happened next caught everyone off guard.

As Costella scratched one of the tickets, his wife noticed something unusual and asked if he was winning.

Unsure of what he was seeing, he passed the ticket to his daughter, who scanned it using the Maryland Lottery app.

That’s when it became real.

The ticket was worth $50,000.

Costella later said the moment didn’t fully sink in until he arrived at lottery headquarters in Baltimore to claim the prize.

The winning ticket came from the $5 Money Maker scratch-off game, which still has several top prizes remaining.

For Costella, what started as a routine stop for food turned into a memory his family won’t forget — and a win that may help fund a future vacation.

Key Points

  • Ticket sat unchecked for nearly two weeks before discovery
  • Family realized win after scanning ticket on lottery app
  • $50K prize came from roadside stop during trip
Chris Quigley

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.

Quigley is committed to responsible journalism, emphasizing accuracy, source verification, and transparency in every story she reports. She strives to present information in a clear and accessible manner, helping readers better understand the issues, decisions, and events that impact their daily lives.

Through her work at Shore News Network, Chris Quigley contributes to the organization's mission of providing trusted local news coverage, accountability reporting, and community-focused journalism throughout New Jersey.

Chris Quigley is a graduate of Stockton State University and began her career at IN Jersey, the online news and media branch of the Asbury Park Press. She also worked at Monmouth Internet, the Ocean Signal Newspaper, and JTOWN Magazine during her career in both content management and operations.

Degrees: Business B.A. - Stockton University

Experience and interests: Criminal Justice, Business, Animal Care, Entertainment, Lottery News, Local News