MI Man Wins $1M Powerball Prize After Friend Checks Ticket

GRAND RAPIDS, MI — A Grand Rapids man learned that he had a $1 million winning Powerball ticket after his friend checked the ticket for him, according to Michigan Lottery officials.

Juan Silvera, 69, matched the five white balls (12-13-33-50-52) in the March 30 drawing to win the big prize, according to Michigan Lottery officials.

He bought his winning ticket at Paris Spirits & Wine, located at 2871 East Paris Avenue Southeast in Kentwood, according to Michigan Lottery officials.

Silvera told lottery officials that he plays the lottery regularly and asked his friend to scan the ticket with the lottery app.

"I showed my friend the message I got, so he scanned my ticket using the Lottery app," Silvera told lottery officials. "When he showed me his phone screen with the amount of $1 million, I was in disbelief!"

Silvera told lottery officials that he plans to save his winnings.

"Winning is an excellent feeling! As of now, I plan to save my winnings and continue working," Silvera told lottery officials.