Driver Identified in Fatal Tractor-Trailer Crash on Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel

Cape Charles, Virginia — February 16, 2026 — According to Shore Daily News, officials have identified the truck driver who died after his tractor-trailer went off the Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel.

Authorities said the crash occurred along the southbound span near the North Channel Bridge, just south of Fisherman’s Island. According to preliminary reports, the tractor-trailer was traveling southbound when it left the roadway and went over the west side of the bridge.

The driver was identified as 61-year-old Ronnie Andrews of Robersonville, North Carolina. The tractor-trailer was owned by Perdue Farms, Inc.

Jeff Holland, Executive Director of the Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel, expressed condolences following the incident, stating that the thoughts and prayers of the entire CBBT team are with Andrews’ family, friends, and colleagues during this difficult time.

Recovery operations were carried out by Crofton Diving of Portsmouth, Virginia. The team successfully recovered both Andrews’ body and the tractor-trailer from the water later that evening.

Following the crash, the southbound lanes were reduced to a single lane near the scene due to damage to the guardrail and curb. Officials indicated that repairs would take several days to complete. By Sunday night, the CBBT confirmed that all southbound lanes had reopened to traffic.

The Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel Police are leading the investigation into the crash. Authorities have stated that weather conditions were not considered a contributing factor, noting that there was no rain, winds were mild at approximately 15 miles per hour, and visibility was clear at the time of the incident.

The cause of the crash remains under investigation. Officials said additional information will be released once more details become available.

The Ramsay Law Firm has attorneys who are Board Certified in Workers’ Compensation claims to help individuals with severe injuries and death claims.

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Notes: Our team created this post using secondary sources and has not independently verified all the facts surrounding the accident. If you find any incorrect details, please contact the Ramsay Law Firm so we can update the post with the most accurate information. This post will be removed if requested.

Disclaimer: The information provided in this post is not intended to be legal or medical advice and is not a solicitation for business. The photograph used in this post is not representative of this accident. If you are injured in an accident, seek medical attention immediately, then speak to a North Carolina personal injury lawyer as soon as possible.