LANSING, September 17, 2002 – Brian O’Keefe of St. Clair Shores was in a state of disbelief upon learning that he had won a prize in the Michigan Lottery’s Mega Millions game. O’Keefe matched the first five numbers in the September 10 Mega Millions drawing to win a $175,000 prize. That day’s winning numbers were: 4, 6, 10, 21, 25 and the Gold Mega Ball number was 21.

"I looked up the winning numbers in the Detroit Free Press and immediately realized that I had matched the first five numbers in that night’s drawing," O’Keefe said. "I then called the Lottery’s regional office to confirm that I had a winning ticket.  I was in total shock and disbelief!"

O’Keefe, a Chrysler Corporation retiree, purchased the winning Mega Millions ticket at Kroger #495, 23191 Marter Road, in St. Clair Shores. He added that he chose his winning number combination based upon the birthdates of family members. Prior to turning the winning ticket in at Lottery headquarters in Lansing, the lucky winner said he kept it underneath a candy dish in his home to ensure its safety. O’Keefe added that his Mega Millions winnings will definitely make for a more "pleasant retirement."

The last Big Game drawing took place on Tuesday, May 14, 2002. On Wednesday, May 15, 2002, The Big Game was replaced by Mega Millions. Mega Millions is a multistate lottery game in Michigan, Georgia, Illinois, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Virginia and Washington. Wagers cost $1 each and tickets may be purchased at more than 7,000 Michigan Lottery retailers statewide.

Mega Millions drawings are conducted every Tuesday and Friday at 11 p.m. The next Mega Millions drawing is tonight (Tuesday) September 17, with an estimated jackpot of $17 million. For more information about Mega Millions, visit the Michigan Lottery’s Web site at www.michigan.gov/lottery or the Mega Millions Web site at www.megamillions.com.

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