The pregnant widow of a EuroMillions winner who was killed after he was knocked off his bicycle has said he “will never get to meet our unborn baby”.
Anthony Canty, 39, won £1 million in May 2020, weeks after he helped save the life of a police officer who had a heart attack on a bus during the Covid-19 lockdown.
Essex Police said officers responded to reports of a collision on Maldon Road in Tiptree at 6.30am on 21 May after cyclist Mr Canty was in collision with a black Ford Ka.
He was taken to hospital where he died four days later, a force spokesperson added.
Police said an 18-year-old man remains under investigation and that inquiries continue.
In a tribute released through police on Tuesday, Mr Canty’s widow Kate said he was “an amazing husband and the best dad”.
She said: “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.”
She said Mr Canty was “one of a kind” and they were “so lucky to have him in our lives”.
“The pain of losing him is the worst pain imaginable,” she said.
“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.
“If someone needed help, Anthony was always there.
“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.
“He made people laugh, brought people together and made every moment brighter just by being there.
“Life will never be the same without him.
“He really was one in a million and one of a kind.
“I still can’t believe he has been taken from us so tragically.”
She continued: “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.
“They will know how much he loved them, how hard he worked for us and how proud he was to be their father.”
In April 2020, Mr Canty gave CPR to a police officer after he collapsed while they were on a bus.
The officer was airlifted to hospital and spent five days in intensive care.
Mr Canty said at the time that he stayed in touch with the officer’s partner while he was in hospital, and dropped off fruit and flowers, and kept in contact after he recovered.
Police are appealing for witnesses to the collision on 21 May this year and are asking for anyone with CCTV, dashcam or other footage relating to the incident to get in touch quoting incident 174 of 21 May.
Submit a report via the force’s website by visiting www.essex.police.uk/digital101
Alternatively, contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
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