Shiprock man claims $1M Powerball prize

A New Mexico man identified as H. Ben of Shiprock claimed a winning $1 million Powerball ticket on Tuesday.

Ben said he typically plays his own selection of numbers, but sometimes mixes it up with a Quick Pick. The Quick Pick play paid off. He purchased his ticket at Smith’s #409 on E. 20th St. in Farmington for the Jan. 16 draw. Ben’s ticket matched the white ball numbers: 14, 20, 39, 65 and 67.

He told New Mexico Lottery that he learned he won after seeing a TV news report Monday that announced a winning ticket was sold in New Mexico. He said he called his son first to tell him the news, put the ticket in a safe place and wasn’t able to fall asleep until 2 a.m. Ben said he plans to invest his winnings in his farm.

When asked if he would play again Ben said, “Why not?”