CAPE CHARLES, VIRGINIA — Authorities have identified the Perdue Farms driver killed in Sunday morning’s tractor-trailer crash on the Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel as 61-year-old Ronnie Andrews of Robersonville, North Carolina. Recovery crews have also confirmed that both the truck and Andrews’ body were removed from the water Sunday evening.

The single-vehicle crash occurred around 6:30–6:40 a.m. on February 15, 2026, on the southbound span near the North Channel Bridge, just south of Fisherman’s Island. Officials said the Perdue tractor-trailer went over the west side of the bridge after breaching the guardrail. No other vehicles were involved.

Crofton Industries, a Portsmouth-based marine recovery company, assisted in recovering the tractor-trailer and Andrews’ body from the water later that evening. Aerial footage from the scene earlier in the day showed the truck partially split open, with debris floating nearby.

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Perdue Farms confirmed Andrews’ death in a statement:

“We are heartbroken to confirm that a Perdue driver has passed away following an accident on the Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel. 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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Jeff Holland, Executive Director of the Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel, also extended condolences, saying the thoughts and prayers of the entire CBBT organization are with Andrews’ family and coworkers.

Officials stated that weather was not a factor in the crash, citing fair visibility, no rain, and mild winds around 15 miles per hour at the time of the incident. The cause of the crash remains under investigation by Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel Police.

The bridge-tunnel facility sustained guardrail and curb damage. Maintenance crews made emergency repairs Sunday, and additional repair work is expected to continue for several days. One southbound lane remains open while repairs are completed.

This marks the second tractor-trailer to go over the side of the Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel since June 2023. According to previous reporting, there have now been 18 over-the-side crashes at the facility, including similar incidents in 2020 and 2023, both of which were also fatal.

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