The Welsh grandmother who was lifted into the air by a shop's electronic shutters, in an incident that was viewed online more than 100 million times, has died.
An Unexpected Viral Moment
Anne Hughes was working as a part-time cleaner at the Best One Shop in Tonteg, Wales, in March 2024 when her coat became entangled in the store's opening shutters. The mechanism hoisted her 10 feet off the ground, leaving her dangling upside down while she clung to her shopping trolley.
Shopkeeper Amir Akram heard her cries and rushed out to lower the shutters, bringing Anne safely back to the ground. Thankfully, she was physically unscathed from the alarming ordeal.
Embracing Internet Fame
The CCTV video of the incident was later posted on the shop's Facebook page, where it rapidly spread, amassing a staggering over 100 million views. Initially embarrassed, Anne soon saw the funny side and embraced her sudden notoriety.
She told media at the time, "It could only happen to me. I was embarrassed, who wouldn't be? But looking back I can see the funny side." She added that she enjoyed the attention, with people even asking for selfies next to the famous shutters.
In a tribute, a local graffiti artist spray-painted an image of Anne in her iconic upside-down pose on the shop's shutters.
A Legacy of Laughter
It has now been confirmed that Anne passed away shortly before Christmas, following a diagnosis of cancer. A family friend remembered her fondly, stating, "Anne was lovely and, luckily for her and everyone else, she had a good sense of humour. She quite enjoyed her moment of notoriety."
"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," the friend added. Despite her viral fame, Anne preferred to focus on her family life, turning down offers to appear on national television shows.
Her unexpected adventure, which brought laughter to millions, remains a poignant part of her legacy.
