New York State Police Superintendent Joseph A. D’Amico is saddened to announce the death of Trooper David W. Cunniff. Trooper Cunniff was last assigned to Troop T, Fultonville.

On December 17, 2013, Trooper Cunniff succumbed to injuries sustained during a motor vehicle accident on the New York State Thruway. Shortly after 8:00 pm on December 16, Trooper Cunniff was conducting a traffic stop when he was struck by a tractor trailer.

The tractor trailer was traveling eastbound in the right lane and drove off the roadway for an unknown reason, striking the two vehicles at the traffic stop.

Trooper Cunniff was in his patrol car at the time with emergency lights activated. The impact forced Trooper Cunniff’s car off the right shoulder partially ejecting him from the vehicle. Trooper Cunniff was airlifted to Albany Medical Center where he died Tuesday afternoon.

Trooper Cunniff was a 9 year veteran of the New York State Police. He worked in Troops B, G and was a member of the then Executive Services Detail at the New York State Capitol.

He was assigned to Troop T in February of 2009.

Trooper Cunniff is fron Duanesburg, NY and is survived by his wife, Amy, and two sons, 6-year-old Caleb and 4-year-old Zachary. He was 35 years old.

(AP)