Michigan man Tyler Morris wins $7.2M jackpot in Mississippi casino after attending friend's funeral

A Michigan man retuing from a friend’s funeral won a $7.2 million jackpot after stopping in a Mississippi casino to play the slot machines in memory of his friend.

Tyler Morris of Montague said he was compelled to stop at the Palace Casino Resort in Biloxi on Friday only because the casino’s penny-slot machines was a pastime he friend loved to do.

Between 10 and 10.30pm Mr Morris struck the highest jackpot possible while playing The Lord of The Rings: The Fellowship penny-slot machine, eaing him an astonishing $7,217,175.15.

Mr Morris said he felt his friend was there with him the entire time.

'Tyler said he felt his friend was watching over him and had blessed him with the big win,' said Palace Casino advertising and PR manager Lisa Quirch speaking to the Sun Herald.

Mr Morris' wife says that they plan to use the money to pay off a car they bought specifically to make the trip to Southe Mississippi to attend the funeral. Their old car she said had more than 200,000 miles on it already.

They'll also use the money to repair the roof of their small business and put some away for their children, granddaughter, and a second grandchild who's still on the way.

The slot machine's progressive jackpot resets at $200,000.

The maximum bet for each round is $3.50.

Jackpot: Mr Morris struck the highest jackpot possible in the game by hitting straight wilds which was only done in memory of his friend who enjoyed playing the penny-slot machines