Vehicle Jumps Over Barrier Into Freezing Water On 17-Mile Bridge, Driver Passes Away

Truck Driver Dies After Plunge into Chesapeake Bay

A truck driver for Perdue Farms lost his life in the early hours of February 15 after his vehicle went over a guardrail on the Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel (CBBT) and fell into the frigid waters below. This incident took place around 6:30 AM on the southbound side of the North Channel Bridge, as detailed in a CBBT press release. The truck had been traveling west across the bridge, and officials noted that weather conditions were not a factor; visibility was reportedly adequate.

The driver was identified as 61-year-old Ronnie Andrews from Robersonville, North Carolina. Perdue Farms acknowledged his passing in a statement, expressing their sorrow. “We are heartbroken to confirm that a Purdue driver has died in an accident at the Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel. Our thoughts and deepest condolences go out to his family, friends, and loved ones during this incredibly difficult time,” the statement said. They also mentioned their full cooperation with authorities in the ongoing investigation.

Andrews’ wife, Lovie, shared her grief over the loss. She recalled how he always went out of his way to help others and said, “I will miss him very much and we will all miss him very much.” She mentioned that they had been married for over 30 years and that he had been driving trucks even before their marriage. Having worked for Perdue Farms for about five years, she noted that he was well-acquainted with the CBBT and was following another Perdue truck at the time of the accident.

CBBT Deputy Executive Director Thomas Anderson informed WAVY that the other truck driver was not involved in the ongoing investigation. That driver was just a minute or two ahead of Andrews and did not witness the event. The collision resulted in damage to the CBBT’s guardrail and curb, prompting maintenance crews to begin repair work on February 15, which they expect will last for several days.

Reports indicate that there have been a total of 18 side collisions on the CBBT to date. Anderson reassured that weather was not a contributing factor in the crash. Another vehicle had also been on the bridge shortly before Andrews. The investigation is still in its early stages; however, a black box from the truck containing crucial data has been retrieved, and the coroner is tasked with determining the cause of Andrews’ death.