VIRGINIA BEACH, Virginia – The driver’s wife killed after his trunk truck plummeted from the Chesapeake Bay Bridge tunnel on Tuesday morning is remembering him as a wonderful husband, father and friend.
Erik Mezick left his home in Fruitland, Maryland, at about 10 pm Monday, according to his wife, Megan, 25 years ago.
The 47-year-old boarded his Cloverland Greenspring Dairy truck, ready to deliver dairy products to Cape Charles and Virginia Beach. It was a 130-mile journey, a job he has only had since March, reported WTKR.
On the way back north, the family’s world turned upside down in seconds.
Mezick was driving north at about 8:20 am Tuesday when his truck passed over the guard rail of the Chesapeake Bay Bridge Tunnel and dived into the bay near the Mile Marker 14.
The United States Coast Guard said witnesses said Mezick began to float west after climbing or falling out of the taxi in the icy 45-degree bay.
Virginia Beach Fire, Virginia Beach Police and Virginia Beach EMS began working together with the U.S. Coast Guard and the Chesapeake Bay Bridge Tunnel Authority in search of Mezick in the water.
The aerial and bay search lasted for hours for the man who loved scooters, swimming, collectibles and looking after his 94-year-old grandmother.
At nightfall, Mezick’s search was suspended after an intense sweep of 178 miles of the bay by a myriad of officials.
Mezick leaves his beloved wife and two children, 18-year-old Dylan and 16-year-old Hannah.
“I can’t say anything more than that he was an incredible man, father, husband, friend. Anyone who knew him loved him from the start, he left an impression on many, ”Megez, Mezick’s wife, told WTKR.
CBBT police are still investigating the incident. Crofton Diving out of Portsmouth is working to try to recover the truck that Mezick was driving from the bay.
“The thoughts and prayers of everyone at CBBT are with Mr. Mezick’s family and loved ones during this difficult time,” said Jeff Holland, CBBT Executive Director.
“We would like to extend our condolences to that individual’s family and friends during this time of tragedy,” said Captain Samson Stevens, commander of the Virginia Coast Guard Sector. “We would like to thank the local first aid agencies for their partnership and dedication in coordinating efforts and research throughout the day with our teams.”