In Loving Memory of Ronnie Andrews
CAPE CHARLES, Va. — With profound sorrow, we remember and honor the life of Ronnie Andrews, 61, of Robersonville, North Carolina, who tragically lost his life in a devastating accident early Sunday morning. Around 6:30 a.m., a tractor-trailer driven by Ronnie went overboard and plunged into the waters off the west side of the southbound span of the Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel, just south of Fisherman’s Island.
In the hours that followed, a desperate search unfolded. The U.S. Coast Guard, along with the Virginia Beach Marine Police, rushed to the scene to assist in the search. Images captured by WBOC’s Chopper 16 revealed the tractor-trailer—a Perdue truck—submerged in the water, a stark reminder of the fragility of life. As the day turned to night, Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel authorities formally identified Ronnie Andrews, a man who had dedicated his years to his work and left behind a grieving family and community.
Officials with the Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel (CBBT) stated that, thankfully, no other vehicles were involved. At the time of the accident, conditions were calm—no rain, only mild winds around 15 mph, and fair visibility. Yet, despite the serene weather, the bridge sustained severe damage to its guardrail and curb. Maintenance crews worked through the day and night, making emergency repairs while a single lane of traffic in the southbound direction remained open. Officials anticipate that this closure will stay in place for several days until further repairs can be made.
As the Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel Police continue their investigation, we pause to reflect on the life of Ronnie. He was not just a name in a news report—he was a father, a friend, a neighbor, a brother, and a dedicated truck driver whose miles on the road symbolized his commitment to his family and his craft. Each morning, he rose before dawn, crossed bridges and highways that connected communities, and embodied a spirit of resilience.
To his loved ones, we offer our deepest sympathies. May you find comfort in memories of his laughter, his strength, and his quiet dedication. Ronnie’s journey ended too soon, but his memory will sail on, like the tides beneath the Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel, ever constant, ever strong, and ever loved.
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