Anthony Canty, a 39-year-old man celebrated for his life-saving actions on a bus, has died following a cycling accident in Tiptree, Essex. The incident, which occurred on May 21, involved a hit-and-run driver who struck Canty on Maldon Road.

The fatal collision on Maldon Road involving a black Ford KA

The circumstances surrounding the death of Anthony Canty are deeply distressing for the local community. As the report details, the incident took place around 6:30 a.m. on May 21 on Maldon Road in Tiptree. Canty was cycling when he was struck by a black Ford KA, which knocked him from his bicycle.

Emergency responders arrived at the scene, and a passerby even attempted to perform CPR to save him. Despite these immediate efforts, Canty succumbed to his injuries in the hospital four days after the collision. the suddenness of the accident has left the Tiptree area in mourning for a man described by friends as a "genuine gentleman."

A legacy of heroism from the April 2020 bus rescue

Anthony Canty was far more than a local resident; he was a man whose life had been marked by extaordinary moments of both bravery and fortune. In April 2020, Canty gained widespread recogntion when he administered life-saving CPR to a police officer suffering a heart attack while on a bus. The officer later credited Canty with saving his life,suggesting the act was a profound instance of "good karma."

This act of heroism was followed shortly by a life-changing stroke of luck. Weeks after the bus rescue, Canty and his wife, Katie, won a £1 million EuroMillions prize. According to the news report, Canty initially believed the win was only worth £100,000, highlighting the humble nature of a man who was also working for a building firm at the time of his passing.

The 18-year-old suspect facing multiple driving charges

Law enforcement has moved quickly to address the criminal aspect of the collision. Essex police have arrested an 18-year-old man in connection with the incident. The suspect is currently under investigation for several serious offenses, including causing serious injury by dangerous driving and driving while unfit due to the influence of drink or drugs.

Additionally, the individual faces charges for failing to stop at the scene of the accident. While the arrest has been made, the legal process is ongoing as investigators work to reconstruct the moments leading up to the impact on Maldon Road.

Why did the driver flee and then return to the scene?

While the arrest provides some clarity, several specific details of the incident remain unverified. The report notes a confusing sequence of events: the driver of the black Ford KA initially fled the scene of the collision but later returned. It remains unknown what motivated this return—whether it was an attempt at remorse, a realization of the severity of the crash, or another factor entirely.

Furthermore, the exact condition of the driver at the time of the collision is still being determined through the ongoing investigation into suspected drug and alcohol use. Police are currently appealing to the public for any dashcam or CCTV footage from the Maldon Road area around 6:30 a.m. on May 21 to help fill these critical gaps in the timeline.