Powerball mystery: Officials say winner has yet to claim big prize

 

N.J. State lottery official Carole Hedinger tells members of the media she and her staff are still waiting for the winner — or winners — of the fourth-largest Powerball jackpot in history, who purchased the ticket at Eagle Liquors in Passaic, to come forward and claim their prize.

By Daniel Arkin, Staff Writer, NBC News

New Jersey lottery officials announced Monday that the winner of one of the largest Powerball drawings in history -- $338 million -- has yet to come forward.
The newly-minted multi-millionaire bought the lucky ticket at Eagle Liquors in Passaic, N.J., according to Carole Hedinger, executive director of the New Jersey Lottery. 
"We are waiting for the winner, or winners, to contact us," Hedinger told reporters at a press conference at lottery headquarters in Lawrenceville, N.J. "Whoever they are should sign the back of that ticket immediately and keep it in a safe place."
"Most people take their time, seek professional advice, and wait to know exactly what they're doing before they come in," Hedinger added.
The winning numbers in the Saturday drawing were: 17, 29, 31, 52, 53, 31.
Lottery officials said the windfall was the fourth-largest jackpot in Powerball history. The winner stands to net a $221 million lump sum payout.
Hedinger said reports that the sole winning ticket was sold at a Bordentown, N.J., gas station were erroneous.
"Somebody called the place in Bordentown and claimed to win a ticket, and perhaps somebody jumped to a conclusion," Hedinger said.
NBC News' Becky Bratu contributed to this report.