Grandson calls the win, Mayfield woman claims $50,000 Powerball prize

MAYFIELD, Ky. – When a Mayfield woman’s grandson, Mark Powell, handed her a Powerball ticket, he made a bold prediction: “It might not be big, but we’re gonna win something,” lottery officials say.

“I always give him the money, and he buys the tickets,” Barbara Hall, Mark Powell’s grandmother, said.

According to the Kentucky Lottery, Hall later claimed the ticket purchased at Pocket’s #1 in Mayfield, with her grandson’s prediction coming true.

One of the three plays matched four white balls and the Powerball, winning a $50,000 prize in the Oct. 3 Powerball drawing.

Hall did not learn about the prize by casually checking the numbers. Instead, lottery officials say the word of the win traveled through the retailer to close family after recognizing Hall’s grandson on security footage buying the ticket.

Hall’s aunt reportedly called Powell to tell him the news.

“There’s no way we have won this,” Powell recalled saying. “I lost it. I plum almost passed out.”

The winning play also held a personal connection for Hall’s grandson: No. 14 was one of the numbers Powell wore while playing soccer and football in school, according to lottery officials.

Hall received a check for $36,250 after taxes.

For Hall, the prize arrived at just the right time. She said the money will help the family catch up on bills and replace her older car, which had become unreliable after repeated repairs.

“It’s absolutely good for us,” Hall said, describing the win as a blessing for her family.

Pockets will receive $500 for selling the winning ticket.

The current Powerball jackpot is estimated at $674 million. The next drawing will take place Saturday, Oct. 24 at 11 p.m. EST.