Perdue Farms Driver Found Dead After Tractor-Trailer Plunges Off Bridge into Frigid Water (Video)

A longtime truck driver has died after his tractor-trailer plunged off the Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel and into the icy waters below.

Authorities identified the driver as 61-year-old Ronnie Andrews of Robersonville, North Carolina. The crash happened early Sunday morning, February 15, near the North Channel Bridge just south of Fisherman Island in Cape Charles, Virginia.

According to local reports, Andrews was driving southbound around 6:30 a.m. when the tractor-trailer suddenly went over the west side of the bridge and fell into the Chesapeake Bay.

There were no other vehicles involved, and officials have said weather does not appear to have played a role in the crash. What caused the truck to veer off the bridge remains under investigation.

By Sunday night, crews had recovered Andrews’ body along with the tractor and trailer from the water.

Perdue Farms confirmed Andrews was one of their drivers.

“We are heartbroken to confirm that a Perdue driver has passed away following an accident on the Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel,” the company said in a statement. “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.”

Andrews’ widow told a local NBC affiliate that her husband had been driving for Perdue for about five years. She said when they spoke the night before the crash, he gave no indication that he was tired or unwell.

WATCH THE VIDEO BELOW: