Authorities have identified the driver who died when his Perdue Farms tractor‑trailer plunged off the Chesapeake Bay Bridge‑Tunnel (CBBT) early Sunday morning.
The crash occurred at approximately 6:30 a.m. on Feb. 15, 2026, on the southbound span just south of Fisherman’s Island near the North Channel Bridge, officials said. The single‑vehicle wreck sent the tractor‑trailer through the guardrails and into the water below.
Driver Identified
Late Sunday, Ronnie Andrews, 61, of Robersonville, North Carolina, was confirmed as the Perdue driver killed in the crash. Andrews was employed by Perdue Farms, the Salisbury, Maryland‑based poultry company that operates numerous facilities in the region.
In a statement, Perdue expressed condolences to Andrews’ family and friends:
“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.”
Perdue also said it is cooperating fully with investigators as the Chesapeake Bay Bridge‑Tunnel Police continue to examine the circumstances of the crash.
Crash Response and Investigation
Emergency crews, including the U.S. Coast Guard and Virginia Beach Marine Police, assisted in search efforts after the truck plunged into the water. The impact damaged guardrails and curbing along the bridge, prompting maintenance crews to make emergency repairs.
Officials noted that the weather was not a contributing factor, with fair visibility and mild winds at the time of the accident. No other vehicles were involved.
A single southbound lane remained open around the scene while repairs continued. Some news outlets reported that all lanes were later reopened as restoration work advanced.
Background
The Chesapeake Bay Bridge‑Tunnel, a key transportation link between Hampton Roads and the Eastern Shore, has seen multiple “over‑the‑side” crashes over the years, though such incidents remain rare. Each prompts careful review by authorities to improve safety and prevent future tragedies.
