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Portsmouth Today
By the People, for the People
Perdue Farms Driver Dies in Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel Crash
Coast Guard and Marine Police Assist in Recovery Efforts
Published on Feb. 16, 2026
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A Perdue Farms tractor-trailer driver died on Sunday after his vehicle plunged off the southbound span of the Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel in Virginia. The incident occurred around 6:40 a.m. near the North Channel Bridge, south of Fisherman's Island. Authorities have identified the driver as Ronnie Andrews, 61, of Robersonville, North Carolina. No other vehicles were involved in the accident.
Why it matters
The Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel is a vital transportation artery connecting Virginia's Eastern Shore to the mainland, and incidents like this can have significant economic impacts on the region's tourism and commerce. This tragedy also highlights the risks faced by commercial drivers and the ongoing discussions around road safety measures.
The details
Recovery efforts involved Crofton Diving of Portsmouth, Virginia, who successfully retrieved both Andrews' body and the truck on Sunday evening. The accident has resulted in the closure of a single southbound lane while crews work to repair damage to a guardrail and curb. Preliminary reports indicate that weather was not a contributing factor, with conditions described as clear and winds around 15 mph. The Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel Police are leading the investigation into the cause of the crash.
- The incident occurred around 6:40 a.m. on Sunday, February 16, 2026.
- Recovery efforts took place on Sunday evening.
The players
Ronnie Andrews
A 61-year-old Perdue Farms driver from Robersonville, North Carolina, who died in the accident.
Perdue Farms
The company that employed the driver who died in the accident.
Jeff Holland
The executive director of the Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel, who expressed condolences for the driver's family and loved ones.
Crofton Diving
The company that successfully retrieved the driver's body and the truck from the water.
Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel Police
The law enforcement agency leading the investigation into the cause of the crash.
What’s next
The Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel Police are continuing their investigation into the cause of the crash, and the findings could lead to recommendations for safety improvements along the critical transportation corridor.
The takeaway
This tragic incident highlights the risks faced by commercial drivers and the importance of ongoing safety evaluations and infrastructure maintenance for vital transportation links like the Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel. The investigation's outcome will be closely watched by transportation officials and safety advocates seeking to enhance safety and prevent similar accidents in the future.
