Trooper Dies After Thruway Accident

State police are investigating an accident that resulted in the death of a State Trooper and injured the driver of a second vehicle.
Police say Trooper David Cunniff 35, of Duanesburg, NY,  was conducting a traffic stop on Monday night at around 8 p.m. at exit 27 near Amsterdam when a tractor trailer driven by Gary Blakley of Ontario left the road and hit both stopped vehicles.

Trooper Cunniff was in his patrol car and was partially ejected. He was airlifted to Albany Medical Center where he was listed in critical condition.

Cunniff Died today as a result of his injuries.

The driver of the second car, Eric Heller, 57, was trapped in his vehicle and freed by Amsterdam Fire Department and was listed in fair condition.

The driver of the tractor trailer was not injured and State Police say the investigation is continuing.

Cunniff was a 9 year veteran of the New York State Police and has worked in Troop D since 2009. He is survived by his wife Amy and two sons, Caleb, 6, and Zachary, 4.