VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. — Repairs are underway at the Virginia Beach Fishing Pier, more than a week after someone drove a car off the pier into the water.
Crews spent Monday morning repairing the black metal entrance gate at the pier. There is still more work to be done.
The pier's owners are "working with engineers to ensure that the pier is safe and welcoming for the upcoming season," said D. Nachnani, a spokesperson for the owners. "We should know something in the next few weeks.”
On January 27, a car crashed through the gates at the Oceanfront fishing pier, driving off the pier and into the water. The tragedy rocked the Hampton Roads community. A growing memorial at the entrance to the Pier pays tribute to the driver.
“It’s very heartbreaking to see this, actually in person," Jayden Miller said.
Another man, Jordan Frakes, added: “I didn’t know the person and it’s heartbreaking really to hear that.”
Police waited days to recover the car and the man inside. The strong currents and murky water made it difficult, police said, for divers to safely attach hooks to the car and lift it out of the water.
The car landed on its roof several feet below the surface. On Friday morning, a crane finally lifted the red Nissan Kick out of the water and onto a barge.
“It’s sad, man. We live in a world where... it’s hard," said Oliver Estevez. “It’s a sad situation... I’ve got kids of my own. I can’t imagine the parents, I can’t imagine the family members.”
The identity of the man found inside the vehicle is still unknown. A spokesperson for the Virginia Beach Police Department said investigators are still waiting for the Medical Examiner to make a positive identification.
North Carolina resident Jody Rose said the tragic incident and the growing memorial inspired her to visit the Pier this morning.
“Honestly, yes. I did. I live two hours away in Roanoke Rapids, North Carolina. I wanted to come sooner… I don’t know, it just brought me here," Rose said. “This is my favorite spot to come. Whether it’s summertime or winter, it doesn’t matter.”
She said she visits the pier often but now, this tragedy will always be in the back of her mind.
“Every day from now on," she said. "I wish the best for the family.”
The pier’s owners are hoping to re-open it to fishermen in March.