A resident of New Jersey recently escaped the loss of a significant sum of money after he unearthed a forgotten lottery ticket valued at $5.9 million (approximately Rs 57.11 crore) hidden in an old pair of trousers, just days before its expiration date.

As reported by People Magazine, the individual purchased the winning Pick 6 ticket at a local gas station he often frequented in May of the previous year. Unfortunately, the ticket was misplaced, and he remained unaware for several months that he possessed the numbers that would secure him the jackpot.

Last month, lottery authorities issued a public notice indicating that the substantial prize was still unclaimed and approaching its expiration. This announcement piqued the man’s interest, as he recalled that the ticket had been purchased at his usual gas station.

According to a news release from the lottery, “He searched every nook and cranny before finally rummaging through his closet and checking every pants pocket.” After inspecting a few pairs of trousers, he eventually discovered a crumpled Pick 6 ticket from the previous May. Feeling both curious and anxious, the man visited the gas station to consult with the staff. They informed him that only a small number of regular customers typically played Pick 6 and encouraged him to conduct a thorough search of his belongings.

Determined, he meticulously scoured his home, examining drawers, shelves, and storage areas, before ultimately resorting to his old clothing in the closet. It was there that he found a crumpled ticket in the pocket of an old pair of pants. Upon verifying the numbers, he realized he was holding the winning ticket worth $5.9 million. He quickly made his way to the lottery headquarters and successfully claimed the prize just eight days ahead of the deadline.

In response to this incident, lottery officials emphasized the importance of regularly checking old tickets, noting that many prizes go unclaimed simply because winners forget where they have stored them. “As always, the New Jersey Lottery encourages players to verify their tickets,” they stated. “While it is uncommon for jackpot prizes to remain unclaimed, numerous smaller tickets often go unnoticed in drawers and pockets for months or even years, despite being eligible for cash redemption.”