Forgotten Ticket Turns Into Life-Changing Fortune
A northern Alberta couple's routine lottery purchase turned into a $1 million surprise nearly a year later when they finally checked a ticket that had been sitting in Dennis Krop's pocket since January.
Judy and Dennis Krop from Ashmont, Alberta, became unexpected millionaires after discovering they held the winning numbers from the January 18 Lotto 6/49 draw. The couple typically follows a strict lottery routine, but a health scare earlier this year caused them to delay checking some of their tickets.
Breaking Their Routine Leads to Surprise Discovery
"Judy buys the tickets, and I handle the validation," explained Dennis about their usual system. "But I had this one in my pocket for a long time, so Judy actually checked it this time."
The role reversal proved fortunate when Judy visited a store to check their tickets while Dennis waited in their truck. She couldn't contain her excitement when she realized they were holding a winning ticket worth $1 million.
"Dennis was out in the truck, and I went to him and said, 'This is a winning ticket,'" recalled Judy about the moment of discovery.
Life Gets in the Way of Million-Dollar News
The winning ticket was purchased at the Shoppers Drug Mart on Jasper Avenue in downtown Edmonton, but it remained unverified for months due to more pressing concerns.
"We had other things on our mind," Judy explained, referencing Dennis's health issues that took priority over their usual lottery checking routine.
Fortunately, lottery winners in Canada have up to one year following the draw date to claim their prize, giving the Krops ample time to discover their good fortune.
The couple now plans to take some time to absorb their sudden wealth before making major decisions. "This will allow us to take some time, though — pay some bills and think about it," said Judy.
Dennis added that they're "looking forward to breathing easier" now that financial pressures have lifted.
The delayed discovery serves as a reminder to all lottery players to regularly check their tickets, as life-changing wins might be waiting in unexpected places.
