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An Iowa man didn't have much time to celebrate his $2 million win.
After waiting months to claim his $2 million prize, Mark Krogman, 72, finally made his way to Lottery headquarters and got his check. The next day, he died at the hospital.
The winning ticket
Krogman's winning ticket was from the November 25, 2023, drawing. The winning white ball numbers for that draw were 27, 33, 63, 66, and 68, and the Powerball number was 9.
Krogman bought his winning ticket at Clinton Liquor, located at 1641 South Bluff Blvd. in Clinton. His winning ticket matched all five white balls from that drawing but didn't match the Powerball number to win the $337.9 million jackpot that night. For matching the five white ball numbers, Krogman won a $1 million prize. He purchased the Power Play option also, which multiplied his winnings to $2 million.
Lottery officials said he was the only person in the country to win a $2 million prize from that date's drawing. For selling the winning ticket, Clinton Liquor also received a $2,000 bonus check from the Iowa Lottery.
Claiming his winnings
In Iowa, lottery winners have 180 days from the date of the drawing in which they won to claim their prize. That meant Krogman had until May 24, 2024, to claim his prize.
While it was known that a winning ticket had been sold in eastern Iowa, Lottery officials didn't know who the winner was until Krogman claimed his prize on April 17.
From good day to worst possible day
Krogman had to be riding a high on April 17 after cashing in that winning ticket and getting his check for $2 million. However, that high didn't last long. On April 18, Krogman passed away at the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics, officials said.
According to his obituary, Krogman died on April 18, and cremation rites have been accorded to honor his wishes. He was born in Clinton and graduated from St. Mary's High School, where he happened to meet his wife, Judith “Judy” Brennan, who preceded him in death. They were married in November 1973.
He retired from Case I.H. in East Moline, Illinois, after the facility closed. In his retirement, he enjoyed nature and observing all the animals in their natural environment. He loved animals and had many different pets over the years. Krogman also loved spending time river boating on the Mississippi, pitching a tent, and camping on Coney Island.
Now, what happens?
Since Krogman claimed the prize money, what happens to it now? Even though it was only one day after Krogman claimed the winnings, Iowa Lottery officials said that once the money was won, it would always belong to the winner.
Laws in Iowa state that if a winner should die, then the money would go to the winner's estate. The Lottery will then make future payments as determined either by the estate or the court.
Enjoy playing the Iowa Lottery, and please remember to play responsibly.
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