Euromillions winner who saved police officer’s life days before scooping jackpot dies in suspected hit-and-run

A Euromillions winner who helped save the life of a police officer who suffered a heart attack on a bus during lockdown has died in a fatal crash.

Anthony Canty, 39, fell off his bike in the crash in Tiptree, Essex, on May 21. The father of two was taken to hospital but died four days later.

In 2020, Mr Canty won £1 million in lottery days after performing CPR on a police officer who collapsed on a bus, helping him survive before paramedics arrived at the scene.

Essex Police said an 18-year-old man was initially arrested on suspicion of dangerous driving causing serious injury, drink/drug driving and neglecting to stop.

Police added that the man is under investigation and investigations are ongoing.

Mr Canty, who works as a water quality engineer, was returning home from work during the Covid lockdown when the police officer, who had also just finished his shift, fainted.

“We were walking home one evening, talking, and she just fell into my lap,” he said.

The engineer said he rang the bell to stop the bus and gave the officer CPR with the help of 999 operator and first aid training he had received at work.

The officer was airlifted to hospital and spent five days in intensive care.

Mr Canty said the officer stayed in touch with his partner while he was in hospital, dropping off fruit and flowers and keeping in touch after his recovery.

“After the win, I called him and he said ‘good karma happens to good people,'” the father of two said.

Officers are now appealing for anyone who saw or has footage of a black Ford KA car being driven in the area at the time of the collision to come forward.

“If you have any information, CCTV, dash cam or other footage regarding this incident please contact us,” police said. “Please quote 174 of 21 May.”