A EuroMillions winner who previously saved a policeman has died following a suspected hit-and-run incident in Essex.
Anthony Canty, a 39-year-old father of two, became a millionaire through the EuroMillions lottery in 2020 and was involved in a collision that occurred on Maldon Road in Tiptree.
Mr Canty was cycling to his job at building materials supplier J Purdy and Sons when the incident occurred at approximately 6.30am on May 21.
He was transported to hospital by ambulance in a serious condition but passed away four days later on May 25.
Mr Canty’s lottery fortune came just weeks after he performed a remarkable act of heroism, administering CPR to a police officer who suffered a cardiac arrest on a bus.
Despite his seven-figure windfall, he had chosen to continue working rather than retire.
The incident in April 2020 that preceded Mr Canty’s windfall saw him step in to help when a police officer collapsed with a heart attack while travelling on a bus.
Mr Canty performed cardiopulmonary resuscitation on the stricken officer, who was subsequently airlifted to the hospital and spent five days receiving intensive care treatment.
A EuroMillions winner who previously saved a policeman has died following a suspected hit-and-run incident in Essex
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The policeman ultimately made a complete recovery from the cardiac episode.
Following Mr Canty’s lottery success the next month, the grateful officer remarked “good karma happens to good people”.
Mr Canty secured his £1million prize in the EuroMillions draw on May 5, 2020, initially believing he had won £100,000.
His wife Katie discovered the true amount after checking the numbers herself, prompting her to exclaim: “You div, it’s one million, we’re millionaires, you have to come home!”
Anthony Canty, a 39-year-old father of two, became a millionaire through the EuroMillions lottery in 2020
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A witness who works at a farm shop described the scene, telling The Sun: “This is a busy road and it’s a horrendous junction.”
The witness, who wished to remain anonymous, believed the vehicle struck Canty from behind, sending his bicycle forward while he was thrown onto the windscreen.
A passerby administered CPR to the lottery winner until emergency services arrived at the scene.
The motorist initially left Maldon Road following the collision but subsequently returned, at which point police removed the vehicle on a low-loader.
An 18-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of causing serious injury through dangerous driving, driving whilst unfit due to drink or drugs, and leaving the scene of an accident.
Anthony Canty was cycling to his job at building materials supplier J Purdy and Sons when the incident occurred
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He remains under investigation as Essex Police continue their enquiries.
Tributes have poured in on social media for the man, described by those who knew him as a “true gentleman”.
David Beckham’s sister Lynne Beckham-Briggs, 54, wrote on Facebook: “Another good one taken too soon! Anthony Canty you will be truly missed! Such a lovely man.”
Friend Kerry Linehan called him “one of the nicest, genuine and true gents I have ever had the pleasure of knowing”.
The anonymous witness added: “It shouldn’t happen to anyone, but he was a lovely, family man. It’s very sad. He was well known around here, he grew up around this area.”
Essex Police are appealing for witnesses and anyone with footage of a black Ford KA
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Mr Canty leaves behind his wife Katie and their two daughters, for whom he had planned a Disneyland trip following his win.
Essex Police are appealing for witnesses and anyone with footage of a black Ford KA in the vicinity around the time of the incident to come forward.
The spokesman added: “If you have any information, CCTV, dash cam or other footage in relation to this incident, then please get in contact with us.
“Please quote 174 of 21 May. You can let us know by submitting a report on our website or by using our online Live Chat service which is available 24 hours-a-day, seven days-a-week.
“If you would like to make an anonymous report you can contact independent charity Crimestoppers, by visiting their website or by calling 0800 555 111.”