Anthony Canty, a father-of-two and Euromillions winner from Essex, has died after being struck by a car in what police suspect was a hit-and-run, just days after his life had been in the headlines for a very different reason. The 39-year-old was knocked from his bicycle in Tiptree, Essex, on May 21 and later died in hospital four days after the collision.
Canty had gained attention for a remarkable act of kindness and bravery in 2020, when he helped save the life of a police officer who collapsed on a bus. The water supply worker performed CPR on the officer after the medical emergency, an intervention that was credited with helping preserve the officer’s life. Years later, Canty himself would become a lottery winner, taking home a £1 million Euromillions jackpot shortly after that earlier life-saving incident.
The circumstances surrounding his death have now prompted a police investigation. Essex Police said an 18-year-old driver of a Ford Ka was arrested in connection with the collision. The suspect was later released under investigation as enquiries continue into the incident. Authorities have described the case as a suspected hit-and-run, though the full details have yet to be established publicly.
Canty’s death has drawn attention not only because of the tragic nature of the crash, but also because of the contrast between his recent good fortune and his earlier act of heroism. He was known as a family man and leaves behind two children. Friends, relatives and members of the local community have been left shocked by the sudden loss.
The case adds to concerns about road safety and the dangers faced by cyclists on UK roads. Collisions involving bicycles often result in serious injuries, and hit-and-run allegations typically lead to urgent appeals for witnesses and for anyone with dashcam or other footage to come forward. In this case, police are continuing to gather evidence as they investigate the circumstances of the crash.
Canty’s story had previously resonated because of the way it connected an ordinary working life with extraordinary moments of compassion and luck. He had stepped in to help a stranger in an emergency, then later experienced the life-changing impact of winning the lottery. His death, so soon after, has now turned that story into one of loss and shock.
As the investigation continues, Essex Police are expected to examine witness accounts, vehicle damage, and any available footage in an effort to determine exactly what happened on the road in Tiptree. For those who knew him, the focus remains on remembering a man described through his actions as both generous and courageous.
