A Michigan man won $45,000 (about $39,000) in the lottery. But Gregory Jarvis (†57) drowned with the note in his wallet before redeeming the prize.

In mid-September the American was at his favorite pub, the “Blue Water Inn” in Caseville. A small bar with simple food and a pool table.

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“Gregory was a really nice guy, he was here almost every day,” co-owner Don Talsky told a local news channel. When the winning numbers for the lottery called “The Jack” were announced, the 57-year-old was “super excited”. Someone asked him if he was the winner – “and it was him,” said Talsky.

A week later – Gregory Jarvis often worked out of town – the lottery winner was back at the Blue Water Inn for a few drinks. He said he did not redeem his ticket because he did not have a social security card.

In the state of Michigan, winners must present photo identification and Social Security ID to collect winnings of more than $600. This is reported by “New York Post”.

The 57-year-old, of course, wanted to get a certificate to pocket $45,000. But Don Talsky never saw his regular customer again. Recently when Jarvis’ boss came to the bar and said his employee hadn’t come to work, the restaurant owner knew something was wrong.

A few days later, a resident reported that he had found a dead body on the beach. An autopsy revealed that it was Gregory Jarvis. He had apparently slipped while tying his boat, hit his head and drowned.

“He wanted to take the money and go to North Carolina to visit his sister and father,” said Don Talsky. Whatever was left in the wallet of the dead man was given to relatives.