NEPTUNE TOWNSHIP — The Ocean Grove man who authorities believe decapitated himself when he leaped to his death with a rope around his neck had won a $1 million slot jackpot in 2001.

John Leatherman's torso was recovered near the Ocean Grove Fishing Pier Monday evening.

Monmouth County prosecutors say the 43-year-old's death is a probable suicide.

The Asbury Park Press reports Leatherman won $1,018,861 after two pulls of a High Rollers $5 progressive slot machine on Dec. 31, 2001, at Trump Taj Mahal Casino Hotel in Atlantic City.

The carpenter took a check for $50,943 and opted to receive that amount annually for the next 19 years.

His stepmother, Kathleen Leatherman, told the newspaper he took part of the winnings and invested in a Florida winter home for his mother.

Read the full story in the Asbury Park Press

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Previous coverage:

• Man decapitates himself when he fatally jumps off Ocean Grove pier