The officers ran to the left shoulder in an attempt to avoid the truck, and Cunningham jumped off of the bridge. The other officer remained on the bridge and was uninjured, police said. The eastbound lanes of I-70 were closed for about four hours after the incident, and were reopened around 9 a.m. Sunday. State Patrol troopers are investigating the accident, though investigators said that charges against the semi's driver are unlikely. An autopsy will be conducted Monday in Jefferson County.
Funeral arrangements are pending.
He had joined the Vail police in January 2000, after graduating from Arapahoe Community College in 1998. He was born in Salt Lake City. Morrison said that Cunningham was well-liked by the department and was known for his enthusiasm, love of his job and his dedication to his family and the Vail community. A memorial fund has been established at Vail FirstBank for Cunningham's wife and infant daughter. The family requests contributions to the fund in lieu of flowers.