Beachville Woman Claims $5M Lotto 6/49 Prize Just Before Deadline

A $5 million Lotto 6/49 prize that was on the verge of expiring has finally been claimed by a lucky Beachville resident. Connie Christie stepped forward with the winning ticket just weeks before it would have become void.

The winning numbers came from the May 4, 2024 Lotto 6/49 draw, and Connie purchased her ticket at the Petro-Canada on Norwich Avenue in Woodstock. Despite being a regular player, she had no idea she was sitting on a multi-million dollar win.

Forgotten Ticket, Life-Changing Prize

It wasn’t until April 2025 that Connie heard news of an unclaimed $5 million ticket sold in Woodstock. The Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation (OLG) issued a public reminder, warning players that the prize was about to expire on May 4, 2025.

That broadcast sparked a hunch.

“I turned to my mom and said, ‘I have a feeling that’s my ticket!’” Connie recalled.

After dropping off her mom, she rushed home and scanned her tickets using the OLG app. The screen lit up with a “Big Winner” message. Connie took a moment to process it, thinking, “I did it!”

Sharing the News With Family

The following day, Connie gathered her family. With the winning numbers displayed on her laptop, her kids immediately guessed, “Did you win the lottery?”

Her answer was simple but life-changing: “Yes, $5 million.”

The room fell into stunned silence as Connie shared proof of her win.

Retirement and Road Trips Ahead

Connie, who works in logistics, now plans to retire. She also wants her husband to do the same so they can spend more time together. A scenic road trip along California’s Pacific Coast Highway is already on her wish list.

“My heart’s full of joy, and I’m humbled by what this means for us,” she said.

A Reminder for All Lottery Players

This close call is a reminder for lottery players to check old tickets. OLG’s Tony Bitonti mentioned that while most prizes are claimed, some tickets get lost or forgotten, especially in seasonal clothing or around life’s busy moments.

With over $2.6 billion paid out in prizes yearly, OLG encourages winners to share their stories — just like Connie.

Have you ever forgotten to check a lottery ticket? Share your story in the comments below.

More…

• https://www.heartfm.ca/news/local-news/beachville-woman-claims-5-million-prize
• https://lfpress.com/news/local-news/5m-lottery-mystery-ends-as-winner-steps-forward-great-feeling
• https://www.ctvnews.ca/kitchener/article/winner-claims-5m-lotto-649-prize-right-before-ticket-was-set-to-expire