A truck driver for Perdue Farms died early Feb. 15 during a crash that sent his vehicle flying over the guardrails of the Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel (CBBT) and into icy water.

The crash...

occurred around 6:30 a.m. close to the North Channel Bridge on the southbound side when the truck flew over the bridge’s west side, according to a CBBT press release shared with the Daily Caller. CBBT Police are investigating the incident. Weather did not play a role in the incident and visibility was “fair,” officials said. (RELATED: 1,000-Mile-Long Winter Storm Could Potentially Bring Dangerous Snow, Ice To US Region)

The driver was Ronnie Andrews, 61, of Robersonville, North Carolina, according to the press release. Perdue Farms confirmed Andrews had died following the crash in a statement cited by WTKR.

“We are heartbroken to confirm that a Perdue driver died 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,” the statement read.

“We are cooperating fully with authorities as they continue their investigation,” it continued.

Andrews’ wife, Lovie Andrews, reacted to his death to 13 News Now. “He always went out of his way for other people; if they needed help, he would help them,” Lovie said. “I am just going to miss him so much, we are all going to miss him so much.”

Lovie said her husband of more than 30 years was a trucker since before they were married, according to WAVY. He worked for Perdue Farms for about the past five years and was familiar with the CBBT, she said. Lovie alleged that her husband was following another Perdue Farms truck similar to the one he was operating when the incident occurred.

CBBT Deputy Executive Director Thomas Anderson told WAVY that “the other driver has not played a role in the investigation so far. The other person was a minute or two ahead of Mr. Andrews so did not appear to witness the event.”

The CBBT sustained damage to the guardrail and the curb in the crash, and maintenance crews were making repairs Feb. 15 with work expected to continue for several days, according to the press release.

A total of 18 over-the-side crashes have occurred on the CBBT, according to WTKR.

Anderson confirmed to the Caller via phone that weather did not play a role in the crash. He also confirmed that another drive was on the bridge about a minute or two ahead of Andrews.

While an investigation into the crash is underway, it is still in preliminary stages. A black box that records data has been recovered from the truck, and the medical examiner will work to determine Andrews’ cause of death, Anderson said.

The CBBT stretches 17.6 miles across the Chesapeake Bay’s entrance, connecting the Norfolk-Hampton Roads part of Virginia to the Delmarva Peninsula’s Cape Charles, according to Britannica.