Officer William Cotter succumbed to injuries received when he was struck by a car.

On July, 09, 1934 at 10:00 pm, Officer Cotter was crossing at 3300 Morganford Road when a car driven by John Meagher struck him with the right front fender. Officer Cotter was taken to City Hospital and later to St Anthony's Hospital. Officer Cotter died from his injuries including a fractured skull and a compound fractured right leg on July 11, 1934 at 8:30 am. The driver of the car had been drinking and was charged with manslaughter.

Officer Cotter had been with the police department for 36 years, since 1898, and was assigned to the Seventh District. He was survived by his wife, Anna. Interred: Calvary Cemetery.