When Mega Millions winner Mike Weirsky accidentally left his $273 million ticket at a New Jersey convenience store early March this year, he thought it was lost for good.

The unemployed 54-year old of Alpha, N.J., bought tickets at a Quick Check store in Phillipsburg. He then forgot them as he left because he was distracted by his cellphone.

WInner Mike Weirsky accidentally left his $273 million ticket at a New Jersey convenience store.

Luckily store employee Phil Campolo found the tickets and gave them to the store to hold.

When Weirsky returned on Friday, he verified the tickets were his. New Jersey Lottery officials said that if anyone had found the tickets and signed them, they could have claimed the jackpot. Close call!

READ MORE: CBS News