Perdue Farms Truck Driver Ronnie Andrews Dies in Chesapeake Bay Bridge Crash — Survived Close Call in 2018

 The trucking and Eastern Shore communities are mourning the tragic loss of Ronnie Andrews, 61, of Robersonville, North Carolina, a veteran Perdue Farms truck driver who died Sunday morning after his rig crashed through guardrails on the southbound Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel near the North Channel Bridge and plunged into the water below. Authorities recovered his body, truck, and trailer later that evening. The fatal incident has left family, friends, and colleagues in deep shock, reflecting on the life of a man whose decades-long career in trucking touched many.

Andrews, a respected driver with 35 years of experience—including five years at Perdue Farms—was known for his dedication, skill, and professionalism. His wife, Lovie, recounted that he spoke to her the night before without mentioning fatigue or concerns, underscoring his steadfast work ethic and commitment to his responsibilities. Perdue Farms released a statement mourning the loss of a valued team member and extending condolences to his family, emphasizing the high regard in which Andrews was held by colleagues and supervisors alike.

The tragic crash occurred in the early hours of Sunday, around 6:30 a.m., and did not involve any other vehicles. Officials have yet to determine the cause of the accident, and the investigation remains ongoing. Andrews’ death has sent ripples of grief across the trucking community, where fellow drivers and friends have recalled his dedication, experience, and quiet camaraderie over decades on the road.

Andrews had previously survived a serious truck crash in 2018, which he described on Facebook as a near-death experience. Sharing an image of his damaged truck at the time, he wrote, “Blessed to be here. A few scratches but thank God I’m alive!” That earlier close call highlighted both his resilience and gratitude for life, making the sudden fatal crash seven years later all the more shocking and heartbreaking for those who knew him.

Family, friends, and coworkers remember Andrews as more than a skilled trucker; he was a devoted husband, a reliable friend, and a man of quiet faith. His life was marked by a commitment to hard work, the open road, and his love for those closest to him. Colleagues at Perdue Farms emphasized his professionalism, describing him as someone who took pride in his craft and approached each job with care and responsibility.

As the Eastern Shore community and trucking industry mourn this sudden loss, attention remains on honoring Andrews’ legacy and supporting his family during this difficult time. His story—both the near-miss in 2018 and the tragic Bay Bridge crash—serves as a sobering reminder of the risks faced by professional drivers and the fleeting nature of life, while celebrating a career and life defined by dedication, resilience, and service.