EuroMillions winner who saved officer’s life killed in suspected hit-and-run

Anthony Canty, 39, performed CPR on an officer having a heart attack on a bus in April 2020 – then just a month later scooped a life-changing EuroMillions prize

A man who saved a police officer’s life just days before scooping £1 million in the EuroMillions has tragically died following a suspected hit-and-run while out cycling.

Anthony Canty, 39, stepped in to perform CPR on a police officer who suffered a heart attack on a bus in April 2020. Remarkably, just one month later, Anthony went on to claim a £1 million EuroMillions jackpot.

At the time of Anthony’s win, the officer — who had been airlifted to hospital and spent five days in intensive care before making a full recovery — told him “good karma happens to good people”.

Yet six years on from his life-changing windfall, Anthony has been tragically killed in a collision in Tiptree, Essex. The father-of-two was out on his bicycle when he was involved in a crash at 6.30am on May 21. He was rushed to hospital but passed away four days later.

An 18-year-old man was initially arrested on suspicion of causing serious injury by dangerous driving, driving while unfit through drink and drugs, and failing to stop at the scene. Police confirmed he remains under investigation as enquiries continue, reports the Mirror.

Tributes to Anthony, widely described as a “true gentleman”, have flooded social media. David Beckham’s sister Lynne Beckham-Briggs, 54, posted on Facebook saying: “Another good one taken too soon! Anthony Canty you will be truly missed! Such a lovely man.”

Gary Hill wrote: “Still can’t believe this is true we only spoke a couple of weeks ago RIP Anthony Canty such a truly nice guy.” Sophie Shane added: “Absolutely heartbreaking never heard any one say a bad word about him he got on with absolutely everyone lit up every room he was in such a big character loved by so many.” Kirsty Morton wrote: “Absolutely speechless what has happened to you – life is so unfair.”

Anthony, who shared two daughters with his wife Katie, claimed the £1 million EuroMillions jackpot in the May 5, 2020 draw. At the time, he revealed he believed he had scooped £100,000 until Katie checked the numbers herself and informed him they were in fact millionaires.

“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,” he said. “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!”

The pair were photographed popping champagne alongside a giant cheque to mark their windfall. Anthony said he planned to splash the cash on a new home and a trip to Disneyland for his daughters.

He stated that he intended to continue working, however. At the time of his passing, he was employed by a local building materials supplier.

Essex Police issued an appeal for witnesses to come forward with any information regarding the fatal collision.

A spokesman for the force said: “Detectives continuing to investigate a serious collision involving a vehicle and a bicycle in Tiptree can confirm a man has sadly since died in hospital.

“Officers would still particularly like to hear from anyone who saw or has footage of a black Ford KA being driven in the area around the time of the collision that morning.

“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.”

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