Grandma Gives Away $2.5M Lottery Ticket by Mistake in Donated Coat

Mildred Simoneriluto hit the jackpot in May 2024 — and then lost it in one of the most baffling ways imaginable. The 76-year-old woman bought a Cash 5 ticket at the Shop 'n Save in Murrysville, Pennsylvania, matched all five numbers, and walked away with a $2.5 million prize. Or at least, she would have, if she hadn't donated the winning ticket — inside an old jacket.

The Pocket Mistake Heard 'Round the World

Simoneriluto thought she chose the perfect hiding place: the pocket of a coat hanging in her closet. Unfortunately, that coat didn't stay there long. While clearing out clothes, she donated the jacket — and the ticket inside — to Vietnam Veterans of America, a nonprofit that distributes clothing across the U.S. and beyond.

When Simoneriluto realized two weeks later that she held the winning numbers — 14, 22, 33, 35, 38 — she launched into panic mode. But the jacket was long gone, and so was the ticket. As of now, no one has turned it in, and the clock ticks louder every day.

1 Woman, 1 Ticket, 1 Crazy Search

Simoneriluto didn't sit around hoping for a miracle — she hit the pavement. She returned to the Shop 'n Save more than 100 times, hoping someone found the ticket or that store records might offer a lead.

No dice.

"I went to Shop 'n Save about 100 times, and they said there's nothing they can do," she said, according to The Independent.

A Deadline Looms and a Jackpot Hangs in the Balance

According to the Pennsylvania Lottery, Cash 5 winners must present the physical ticket to claim the prize. And Simoneriluto's deadline? May 8, 2025. After that, the $2.5 million turns back into a pumpkin.

To make matters worse, she doesn't know where the jacket ended up. Vietnam Veterans of America distributes donations across the country — and sometimes even internationally. That means someone could be wearing that coat right now with the winning numbers tucked in the pocket, totally unaware they’re walking around with a fortune.

"What else can I do? Cry out loud and hope that something will happen," she said, as reported by The Independent.

What You Can Learn From Mildred's Misfortune

Let's be real — who hasn't stashed something important "somewhere safe" only to forget where that is? But when it comes to lottery tickets, misplacing one could cost you millions.

Here's how to avoid a Mildred-level mistake:

• Snap a photo of your ticket right after buying it.
• Sign the back to prove ownership.
• Store it someplace obvious — not a donation pile.
• Check the numbers fast and don't wait to claim a prize.

Final Countdown: Will Someone Else Cash In?

With less than a month to go, Simoneriluto waits, watches, and wonders. Will the ticket resurface in time? Will someone else find it and claim the cash? Or will $2.5 million vanish into thin air?

For now, the only sure thing is this: Check your coat pockets — especially if you've been thrifting in Pennsylvania. You never know what treasure might be hiding in the lining.

References: Woman wins $2.5 million lottery — then realizes she donated the jacket with the ticket in pocket | 'Jacket Jackpot': Monroeville woman loses $2.5 million lottery ticket left in donated jacket