Anthony Canty, a 39-year-old EuroMillions jackpot winner, has died following a hit-and-run incident in Tiptree. Canty, who won £1 million in May 2020, was riding his bicycle on May 21 when he was involved in a collision with a black Ford Ka.
He was taken to the hospital and died four days later from his injuries. Essex Police stated that an 18-year-old man remains under investigation as inquiries continue. Canty's pregnant widow, Kate, paid tribute to her husband, describing him as "an amazing husband and the best dad."
"I have lost my husband, my two girls have lost their dad, and he will never get to meet our unborn baby," she said. "We are all completely broken."
In April 2020, shortly before his lottery win, Canty helped save the life of a police officer who suffered a heart attack on a bus during the COVID-19 lockdown. The officer was airlifted to the hospital and spent five days in intensive care. Canty had maintained contact with the officer's partner and visited him in the hospital.
Mrs. Canty described her husband as "one of a kind" and someone who "would do anything for anyone." She added that the pain of his loss is "the worst pain imaginable" and that she and their children are "completely lost without him."
"He was a hardworking, loving family man with the biggest heart," she said. "He had a heart of gold and would do anything for anyone. If someone needed help, Anthony was always there. He was the life and soul of the party and lit up every room he walked into with his big smile, his charm and his character. He made people laugh, brought people together and made every moment brighter just by being there. Life will never be the same without him. I still can't believe he has been taken from us so tragically."
She finds comfort in knowing how loved he was and vows to ensure their children grow up knowing "what an incredible man and amazing dad he was." She stated they will know "how much he loved them, how hard he worked for us and how proud he was to be their father."
Police are appealing for witnesses to the collision, requesting anyone with CCTV, dashcam, or other footage to come forward, referencing incident number 174 of May 21. A local shopkeeper told The Sun that Canty was hit from behind and that a passerby administered CPR until emergency services arrived. The shopkeeper described Canty as "a lovely, family man" who was "well known around here" and had "grew up around this area."
Tributes from friends described Canty as "one of the nicest, genuine and true gents" and a "fighter to the end." Another friend recalled his "beaming cheeky smile" and that he "always brightened up a room."