Fatal Crash Involving Shirley Resident

Suffolk County Police Sixth Squad detectives are investigating a motor vehicle crash which claimed the life of a 20 year old Shirley man.

Richard Cunningham, 20, of 173 Winters Drive, Shirley, was driving his 1992 Ford Mustang southbound on Cliff Rd. in Belle Terre on Sunday, February 15, 2009, at about 9:50 p.m. He failed to negotiate a curve, left his lane and collided with a 2008 Lincoln Navigator. The Navigator was being driven northbound by Jeffrey Brett, 43, of 16 Lodge La. , Port Jefferson.

Cunningham was pronounced dead at the scene by a physician assistant from the Suffolk County Medical Examiner’s Office. A passenger in Cunningham’s car was taken to the University Medical Center at Stony Brook and treated for non-life threatening injuries. Brett was also taken to Stony Brook Hospital for treatment of minor injuries.

Both vehicles were impounded for safety checks. The investigation is continuing. Anyone who may have witnessed the crash is asked to contact Sixth Squad detectives at 631-854-8652.