Full Breakdown
EuroMillions Winner Anthony Canty Killed in Suspected Hit-and-Run on Essex Road
6/7/2026, 5:01:51 AM
Collision on Maldon Road Claims Life of EuroMillions Winner
On 21 May 2026 at about 06:30 GMT, police responded to a collision on Maldon Road, Tiptree, Essex, involving a cyclist and a black Ford Ka. The cyclist was identified as 39-year-old Anthony Canty, who was cycling to his job at J Purdy and Sons. He was hospitalized in serious condition and died on 25 May 2026.
Heroic Background and Lottery Win
Canty, a water-supply worker from Maldon, performed CPR on a police officer who suffered cardiac arrest on a bus during the first Covid-19 lockdown in April 2020. The officer recovered fully. In May 2020 Canty and his partner Katie Sullivan won a £1 million EuroMillions prize; Canty kept his job. He was a father of two and had planned a family trip to Disneyland after the win.
Timeline of Key Events
- April 2020 – Canty administers CPR to a police officer on a bus.
- 5 May 2020 – Canty’s EuroMillions ticket matches, awarding £1 million.
- 21 May 2026 – Collision with a black Ford Ka on Maldon Road at 06:30 GMT.
- 25 May 2026 – Canty dies in hospital.
- May 2026 – An 18-year-old is arrested on suspicion of dangerous driving, driving while unfit and failing to stop. The investigation remains ongoing.
Key Data and Statistics
- Victim: Anthony Canty, 39.
- Prize: £1 million (May 2020).
- Collision: 21 May 2026, 06:30 GMT.
- Death: 25 May 2026 (four days later).
- Suspect: 18-year-old male, driver of black Ford Ka.
- Location: Maldon Road, Tiptree, Essex.
Police Statements and Public Appeal
Essex Police classified the incident as a suspected hit-and-run and said the investigation is active. A spokesperson asked anyone with CCTV, dash-cam or other footage of a black Ford Ka near the scene to contact the force, quoting reference 174 of 21 May. The suspect remains under investigation; no further details have been released.
On-the-Ground Witness Accounts
A farm-shop employee said the site was “a busy road and it’s a horrendous junction,” noting the vehicle struck Canty from behind, sending him onto the windscreen. An anonymous local witness described Canty as “a lovely, family man” known in the community.
Verbatim Quotes
- “good karma happens to good people” — Grateful police officer (post-CPR)
- “You div, it's one million, we're millionaires, you have to come home!” — Katie Canty, wife
- “Another good one taken too soon! Anthony Canty you will be truly missed! Such a lovely man.” — Lynne Beckham-Briggs, sister of David Beckham
- “one of the nicest, genuine and true gents I have ever had the pleasure of knowing” — Kerry Linehan, friend
Upcoming Steps
The investigation will focus on identifying the driver of the black Ford Ka and determining whether charges for dangerous driving, driving while unfit, and leaving the scene will be filed. Essex Police continue to request public assistance and have highlighted the 24-hour live-chat service and Crimestoppers as reporting channels.
