Trooper Edward L. Cunningham lost his life on October 10, 1934, when the open touring car he was operating left the Wantagh Parkway near Jones Beach and struck an abutment. The vehicle overturned, ejecting Trooper Cunningham onto the highway where he died instantly from head injuries. There were no witnesses to the accident. Investigating officers theorize that Trooper Cunningham was in pursuit of a speeding vehicle at the time of the accident.
Trooper Cunningham was a four-year veteran of the State Police and was stationed at SP Valley Stream at the time of his death.