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Michigan Man Wins $500,000 Lottery, Family Thinks It's a Prank

4/9/2026

45 5 Full Breakdown

Summary

Story summary

Patrick Jedrzejczyk, 61, of Alger, Michigan, won $500,000 in the Michigan Lottery's Electric 50s instant game at Sunrise Store in West Branch.
He described going numb when he realized the win and called his wife, who initially thought he faced a medical emergency.
They informed their children, who thought it was an April Fools' prank, then claimed the prize at Michigan Lottery headquarters to pay bills and save.

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Story summary

Patrick Jedrzejczyk, 61, of Alger, Michigan, won $500,000 in the Michigan Lottery's Electric 50s instant game at Sunrise Store in West Branch.
He described going numb when he realized the win and called his wife, who initially thought he faced a medical emergency.
They informed their children, who thought it was an April Fools' prank, then claimed the prize at Michigan Lottery headquarters to pay bills and save.