Lottery Winner Is Found Dead With The Winning Ticket Still In His Pocket

Lottery Winner Found Dead Holding Winning Ticket

Discovery and Background

A Michigan man, Gregory Jarvis, 57, who recently won a $45,000 lottery prize, was found dead with the winning ticket still in his wallet. On September 13, 2021, Jarvis won a Club Keno game called “The Jack” at the Blue Water Inn. Unable to claim his prize immediately because he lacked his Social Security card, Jarvis requested a new card. Tragically, he vanished before receiving the prize, and his body was found next to his boat on a private beach in Saginaw Bay on September 24, 2021.

Unclaimed Winnings

When Jarvis won the lottery, he was staying at the Blue Water Inn. Due to the requirement of presenting a Social Security card for lottery prizes above $600 in Michigan, Jarvis was unable to collect his winnings right away. After requesting a new card, he made plans to use his winnings to visit family. He even returned to the inn’s tavern on September 19 to celebrate his win by buying drinks for everyone.

Mysterious Disappearance

Jarvis was a regular at the Blue Water Inn, and his absence raised concerns. Dawn Talasky, the inn’s owner, noted his unusual disappearance and alerted his boss, who checked for Jarvis on September 22 but couldn’t find him. Two days later, a resident discovered Jarvis’ body on a private beach in Saginaw Bay.

Investigation and Autopsy

The police investigation revealed that Jarvis had hit his head and subsequently drowned. His winning lottery ticket was found in his wallet, prompting an inquiry to rule out foul play. Caseville Police Chief Kyle Romzek stated, “We think he was tying up his boat, slipped and fell, hit his head, and that’s where he ended up in the water.” Interviews with bar patrons confirmed Jarvis was well-liked and ruled out any foul play.

Community Reaction and Final Moments

Dawn Talasky shared that Jarvis had planned to visit his family in North Carolina with his winnings. She recalled a recent conversation with him about his lottery win, describing him as “very happy” and “a very decent man.”

A Family’s Inheritance

The winning lottery ticket was handed over to Jarvis’ family, allowing them to claim the prize and honor his memory. Jarvis’ untimely death left a profound impact on those who knew him, highlighting the fragility of life even amidst moments of joy and anticipation.