Perdue Driver Dies After Tractor-Trailer Goes Overboard from Bridge-Tunnel

The incident: A single-vehicle crash into the bay

According to officials from the Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel (CBBT), the crash occurred at approximately 6:40 AM on Sunday, February 15, 2026. The tractor-trailer, operated by the poultry company Perdue, was traveling southbound when it went overboard near the North Channel Bridge, just south of Fisherman's Island.

The truck plunged into the water, and a massive search-and-rescue operation was launched, involving the U.S. Coast Guard and Virginia Beach Marine Police. Tragically, the driver did not survive. His body was recovered Sunday evening by Crofton Diving of Portsmouth.

Perdue confirmed the loss in a heartfelt 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."

Jeff Holland, executive director of the Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel, expressed the organization's condolences, stating that the " thoughts and prayers of everyone at the CBBT are with the family, loved ones, and fellow employees of Mr. Andrews during this difficult time."

Andrews' death is a profound loss for his family, his community, and his colleagues at Perdue. His regular route, likely one he had driven many times before, ended in a way no one could have anticipated.

The investigation: Weather not a factor

The Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel Police are leading the investigation into the cause of the crash. In an initial update, officials stated that weather was not a contributing factor. At the time of the accident, conditions were described as having no rain, mild winds around 15 mph, and fair visibility.

The investigation will now focus on other potential causes, which could include:

• Driver error or medical event: Was there an unforeseen medical issue, a momentary lapse in attention, or a misjudgment?
• Mechanical failure: Did a critical system on the truck, such as brakes or steering, fail?
• Roadway or infrastructure issue: Was there a problem with the guardrail, road surface, or signage at that specific location?

The truck and trailer have been recovered from the water and will be examined by investigators. The process of determining exactly what happened can take weeks or months.

The aftermath: Lane closures and reminders

The crash caused significant damage to the bridge's guardrail and curb. As a result, only a single lane of southbound traffic is currently open near the scene, and officials anticipate that the lane closure will remain in place for several days while maintenance crews complete repairs.

This incident underscores several critical realities for all drivers, particularly those operating large commercial vehicles:

1. The immense risk of commercial driving: Professional truck drivers like Ronnie Andrews spend countless hours on the road, often traversing challenging infrastructure like bridges and tunnels. When something goes wrong, the consequences can be catastrophic
2. The importance of thorough investigation: In any fatal crash, a meticulous investigation is essential, and not only for accountability but also for preventing future tragedies. If a mechanical defect or infrastructure flaw is found, it can lead to recalls or safety upgrades that save other lives
3. The right to answers and accountability: For the family of Ronnie Andrews, the coming months will be a painful journey. They deserve to know exactly why this crash happened. If negligence by another party (such as a maintenance contractor or a parts manufacturer) contributed to the crash, they may have legal grounds for a wrongful death claim to seek compensation for their incalculable loss

A drive across the Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel offers stunning views, but this tragedy is a stark reminder that for commercial drivers, it is also a workplace with inherent dangers. Our hearts go out to the family, friends, and colleagues of Ronnie Andrews. His loss is a reminder of the human cost behind the goods we consume and the roads we all share.

If you have lost a loved one in a commercial vehicle crash or any fatal traffic incident, the independent attorneys we connect you with have the experience to investigate complex accidents and fight for the justice and compensation families deserve during their darkest hours.