Anthony Canty, a beloved father-to-be and heroic rescuer, tragically passed away after being involved in an alleged hit-and-run collision earlier this year. Mr Canty won £1 million on the EuroMillions lottery in May 2020, just weeks after saving a police officer’s life by performing CPR during a heart attack on a bus.
The 39-year-old was cycling along Maldon Road in Tiptree, Essex, at approximately 6.30am on 21 May when he was struck by a black Ford Ka. He was taken to hospital in serious condition but died on 25 May, according to reports.
In a moving tribute, his wife Kate described her husband as “one in a million and one of a kind,” recalling his warm heart and dedication to his family. “Anthony was an amazing husband and the best dad. We were so lucky to have him in our lives,” she said. “He had a heart of gold and would always be there for anyone in need.”
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Kate spoke of their heartbreak, saying, “The pain of losing him is the worst imaginable. We are utterly lost without him. He was the life and soul of every gathering, always lighting up the room with his smile and charm. He truly was one in a million.”
The couple shared two daughters, and expecting their third child, whom Mr Canty sadly never got to meet. His wife said she finds solace in ensuring their children know the incredible man and devoted father he was.
Police in Essex continue investigations into the collision, with an 18-year-old man currently under scrutiny. Authorities are appealing for any witnesses or anyone with CCTV, dashcam, or relevant footage to contact them, referencing incident 174 of 21 May.
Following his lottery win, Mr Canty had spoken of plans to take his daughters to Disneyland and buy a new home. Initially believing he had won £100,000, his wife later confirmed the full £1 million prize, with a joyous reaction that reflected their excitement.
Mr Canty also maintained contact with the wife of the police officer whose life he saved. The officer himself, after a hospital stay including time in intensive care, expressed to Mr Canty that “good karma happens to good people,” highlighting the profound impact of his heroic actions.
This tragic loss has deeply affected family and community alike, remembering Mr Canty both for his kindness and his extraordinary recent good fortune cut short by this fatal collision.