Pregnant wife's tribute to cyclist killed in crash

The pregnant wife of a EuroMillions winner who was fatally knocked off his bicycle said losing him was "the worst pain imaginable".

Cyclist Anthony Canty, 39, died from a traumatic brain injury four days after the suspected hit-and-run in Tiptree, Essex, on 21 May.

The father-of-two made headlines when he scooped the £1m lottery jackpot in May 2020, days after saving the life of a police officer.

"He was one of a kind and we were so lucky to have him in our lives," said his wife, Kate Canty.

Police have been investigating the collision, which happened at 06:30 BST in Maldon Road.

They arrested the 18-year-old driver of a Ford KA and said earlier that he remained under investigation.

Kate Canty said of her husband: "The pain of losing him is the worst pain imaginable. Every day feels overwhelming and we are completely lost without him.

"He was a hardworking, loving family man with the biggest heart. He had a heart of gold and would do anything for anyone.

"He was the life and soul of the party and lit up every room he walked into with his big smile, his charm and his character."

An inquest into Canty's death, opened and adjourned in June, heard he was struck by a car while cycling towards Great Totham.

He was taken to the Royal London Hospital and died there on 25 May.

"I have lost my husband, my two girls have lost their dad, and he will never get to meet our unborn baby. We are all completely broken," his wife added.

"The only comfort I have is knowing how loved he was. I will make sure all our children grow up knowing what an incredible man and amazing dad he was."

The Ford driver was arrested on suspicion of causing serious injury by dangerous driving, driving while unfit through drink or drugs and failing to stop.

Police have appealed for any witnesses to contact them.

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