Anthony Canty, a 39-year-old father who won £1 million on the EuroMillions lottery and previously saved a police officer's life, has died following an alleged hit-and-run collision while cycling in Essex. The incident occurred on May 21 at 6.30am on Maldon Road in Tiptree, Essex, involving a black Ford Ka. Mr Canty was taken to hospital in a serious condition and died on May 25, according to the Mirror.
Wife's Heartbreaking Tribute
His wife, Kate, paid tribute to him, describing him as a "one in a million and one of a kind" person. She said: "Anthony was an amazing husband and the best dad. He was one of a kind and we were so lucky to have him in our lives."
She continued: "The pain of losing him is the worst pain imaginable. Every day feels overwhelming and we are completely lost without him. He was a hardworking, loving family man with the biggest heart. He had a heart of gold and would do anything for anyone. If someone needed help, Anthony was always there."
A Life That Lit Up Every Room
Kate added: "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."
She expressed her devastation: "Life will never be the same without him. He really was one in a million and one of a kind. I still can't believe he has been taken from us so tragically. I have lost my husband, my two girls have lost their dad, and he will never get to meet our unborn baby. We are all completely broken."
Police Investigation and Appeal
Essex Police said officers continue to conduct enquiries, and an 18-year-old man remains under investigation. The police are appealing for witnesses to the collision on May 21 and are asking anyone with CCTV, dashcam, or other footage to come forward, quoting incident 174 of May 21.
Mr Canty and his wife had two daughters. At the time of his EuroMillions win, he said he planned to take them to Disneyland and buy a new house. Initially, he thought he had won £100,000, but after checking the numbers herself, Kate discovered they were millionaires. Speaking at the time, Mr Canty recalled: "I called Katie to tell her the good news but she wouldn't believe me and thought I was winding her up, so I gave her the numbers to check for herself. I heard her log on and then she started screaming and said, 'You div, it's one million, we're millionaires, you have to come home!'"
Mr Canty also stayed in touch with the wife of the police officer whose life he saved. The officer, who was airlifted to hospital and spent five days in intensive care after Mr Canty performed life-saving CPR, told him "good karma happens to good people" following his big win.
