Police Officer Ryan Jay Cunningham, Vail Police Department, Colorado

Police Officer Ryan Jay Cunningham

Vail Police Department, Colorado

End of Watch Sunday, May 6, 2001

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Ryan Jay Cunningham

Officer Ryan Cunningham was killed after falling from a 60-foot highway overpass while avoiding being struck by a semi.

He and another officer were investigating an accident at 5 am on I-70 at Vail Pass, which was icy at the time. The two officers ran to the shoulder of the overpass as a tractor-trailer lost control to avoid being hit. Officer Cunningham jumped over the rail and fell to the ground below. The other officer, who stayed on the bridge, was uninjured.

Officer Cunningham had served with the Vail Police Department for 16 months. He is survived by his wife and infant daughter.

Bio

Age 27
Tour 1 year, 3 months
Badge 204

Incident Details

Cause Fall

accident investigation, weather

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Most Recent Reflection

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It has been 24 years... and some time since you passed. I saw a post on Instagram that made me think of you. your badge number was 204 because 24 was spoken for. you love the number 24. You had the locker number 24 at the gym and at Coors field... I am so happy to know you. I hope you and your Dad are there to meet me when I come home. I was so alone once upon a time. I prayed on my knees that father would give me a close friend. that is when you came in. You just got home from your mission in Pittsburg PA. You have been one of my best friends ever since. Thinking of when I thought of you last... it was just yesterday I was talking to a co worker about when you worked at Coors field and would yell at Chipper Jones to pull his socks up...lol Anyway, I Love You pall! I will see you again.

Joe Reynolds
Friend / DEN Life Safety, Aviation Dep. City and County of Denver

September 13, 2024