Anthony Canty, a 39-year-old father and EuroMillions winner, tragically lost his life following a hit-and-run collision in Essex before he could meet his unborn child.
Mr Canty became a millionaire in May 2020 after winning £1 million on the EuroMillions lottery. This remarkable win came just weeks after he heroically saved a police officer’s life by performing CPR on a bus in April when the officer suffered a heart attack.
The fatal incident occurred in the early hours of 6.30am on 21 May on Maldon Road in the village of Tiptree. Mr Canty was cycling when he was struck by a black Ford Ka. He was taken to hospital in serious condition but sadly died four days later, on 25 May, as reported by the Mirror.
READ MORE: Police Seek Public’s Help After $22,500 Worth of Rings Stolen from Cheltenham Jewellers
Paying tribute, his wife Kate described Mr Canty as a “one in a million and one of a kind”. She said, “Anthony was an amazing husband and the best dad. We were so lucky to have him in our lives. The pain of losing him is the worst pain imaginable. Every day feels overwhelming and we are completely lost without him.”
She continued, “He was a hardworking, loving family man with the biggest heart. He had a heart of gold and would do anything for anyone. Anthony was always there for anyone needing help. He was the life and soul of the party, lighting up every room with his smile, charm and character. He made people laugh and brought them together. Life will never be the same without him.”
Kate added, “It’s heartbreaking that he will never get to meet our unborn baby. I have lost my husband, our two daughters have lost their dad, and we are all completely broken. The only comfort I have is knowing how loved he was. I will make sure our children grow up knowing what an incredible man and amazing dad he was.”
Essex Police have confirmed ongoing investigations into the collision, with an 18-year-old man currently under scrutiny. They are appealing for witnesses and requesting anyone with CCTV, dashcam, or other relevant footage to contact them, quoting incident 174 of 21 May.
Before his untimely death, Mr Canty had shared the joyous news of his EuroMillions win with his family, initially thinking he had won £100,000. It was his wife who realised the true prize was £1 million. Following the win, he expressed plans to take his daughters to Disneyland and buy a new home.
Mr Canty had also maintained contact with the wife of the police officer he helped save. The officer, who was airlifted to hospital and spent five days in intensive care, told Mr Canty that “good karma happens to good people” after hearing of the lottery win.
The community mourns the loss of a man remembered not only for his generosity and courage but also for the joy he brought to those around him.