Virginia Beach, Virginia — A tragic crash on the Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel has claimed the life of Ronnie Earl Andrews, a 61-year-old truck driver employed by Perdue Farms, leaving both his workplace and hometown community in mourning.
According to officials, the incident occurred early Sunday morning at approximately 6:40 a.m. when Andrews’ tractor-trailer was traveling southbound near the North Channel Bridge, just south of Fisherman’s Island.
Authorities confirmed that the vehicle veered off the roadway, broke through guardrails, and plunged into the water below. No other vehicles were involved in the crash.
Recovery operations were carried out by Crofton Diving, whose team retrieved both the truck and Andrews’ body later that evening.
The crash caused structural damage to sections of the bridge-tunnel, including guardrails and curbing, prompting emergency repairs.
One southbound lane remained temporarily closed as maintenance crews worked to restore safety conditions.
Officials from the Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel facility, including Executive Director Jeff Holland, extended condolences to Andrews’ family, colleagues, and loved ones.
Preliminary reports indicated that weather conditions were not a contributing factor, citing calm winds, no rainfall, and clear visibility at the time of the incident.
The cause of the crash remains under investigation.
In a statement, Perdue Farms described Andrews as a valued team member and expressed deep sorrow over his pᴀssing, adding that the company is cooperating fully with authorities as the investigation continues.
Ronnie Earl Andrews, originally from Robersonville, North Carolina, was born on September 14, 1964.
He was the son of Mary Alice Andrews and Milton Wiggins, and was also raised with the support of Kenneth Andrews and his grandparents Thomas Wiggins and Ella Wiggins.
Following the tragedy, members of the Robersonville community gathered at the W.C. Chance East End Cultural Center to honor his life and legacy.
Friends and loved ones remembered Andrews as a dedicated worker and a respected member of his community.
Among those reflecting on his final moments was Clarisa Rankin, who shared details of one of her last conversations with him, underscoring the sudden and emotional nature of his pᴀssing.
As investigators continue working to determine what led to the crash, the loss of Ronnie Earl Andrews is being felt deeply both on the roadways he traveled and in the community he called home.
