NORTHAMPTON COUNTY, VIRGINIA — A Perdue Farms tractor-trailer driver has died after a single-vehicle crash early Sunday morning sent his truck overboard from the southbound span of the Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel.

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According to the Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel District, the crash occurred around 6:30 a.m. near the North Channel Bridge, just south of Fisherman’s Island. Officials said the southbound tractor-trailer went off the west side of the bridge and into the water. No other vehicles were involved in the crash.

The U.S. Coast Guard and Virginia Beach Marine Police assisted in the search for the driver. Images from news choppers showed the Perdue-branded tractor-trailer partially submerged in the water below.

Perdue Farms later confirmed the driver died in the incident.

“We are heartbroken to confirm that a Perdue driver has passed away following an accident on the Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel,” the company said in a statement. “Our thoughts and deepest condolences are with his family, friends, and loved ones during this incredibly difficult time. He had been a valued member of our team, and his loss will be deeply felt across our organization. We are cooperating fully with authorities as they continue their investigation.”

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The crash caused damage to the bridge’s guardrail and curb. Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel maintenance crews responded to make emergency repairs.

At 9:00 a.m., officials reported that all southbound lanes remained closed. By 9:25 a.m., a single southbound lane was opened around the crash site while repairs continued. Authorities initially estimated southbound traffic could reopen around 8:45 a.m., but full reopening took longer as crews addressed structural damage.

All southbound lanes were fully reopened later in the day after emergency repairs were completed. Officials confirmed the facility sustained guardrail and curb damage but was deemed safe for travel following repairs.

The crash remains under investigation by Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel Police. Authorities have not released information on what caused the tractor-trailer to leave the roadway.

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