Woman Who Went Viral After Being Hoisted Up By Shop Shutters Dies
Very sad news to report today as the old lady who went viral after being left dangling helplessly by the shutters at Best One Shop in Tonteg, Wales, has passed away.
Anne Hughes, 73, became an online sensation in 2024 after she was hoisted up into the air by the store’s electrical shutters. Let’s remind ourselves of that moment which racked up over 100 million views online:
And the excellent graffiti tribute that immortalised her on the shopfront in the days that followed:
It was a great story that really could have ended badly, had Anne’s jacket not been made of some of the strongest fabric known to mankind. I doubt they make jackets like that anymore but if the brand is still out there, I can’t think of any better PR than letting the world know that the legendary Anne Hughes was their customer.
The best part about it is that Anne saw the funny side and embraced her viral fame, although it’s now emerged that she passed away shortly before Christmas, after being diagnosed with cancer.
A family friend said: ‘Anne was lovely and, luckily for her and everyone else, she had a good sense of humour.
‘She quite enjoyed her moment of notoriety and she definitely saw the funny side.’
‘It’s sad that she’s gone but she has left us with a memory that will always bring a smile to people’s faces.’
Indeed. RIP to a British legend of internet viral video, and thoughts with Anne’s friends and family.
For a catch-up with the viral granddad who ate paint thinking it was yoghurt, click HERE.
