By Liz Holland

The family of the man missing since Dec. 29 when the truck he was driving plunged over the side of the Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel, has planned a memorial service this weekend, but will continue searching for his remains along the Virginia coastline.

Erik Thomas Mezick, 47, of Fruitland, was seen exiting the Cloverland Greenspring Dairy truck into the water, but was never seen again. A weeks-long search, particularly at Fisherman Island National Wildlife Refuge, a barrier island at the mouth of the Chesapeake Bay, has included private boats, planes and drones and the offer of a $10,000 reward. So far efforts to find him have failed.

Kevin Mezick, Erik’s brother, said the cold water is probably what’s preventing the body from surfacing. It could be March or later before they find him.

Kevin and others searched for Erick on a daily basis for the first two and half weeks. After that, Kevin said he went out two or three times a week, and the Virginia Marine Police are out there daily looking as well.

“Everybody’s saying just give it time,” he said. “It’s a waiting game, but for my peace of mind I have to be out there.”

Kevin said the family in the meantime has accepted the loss of Erik and they have planned a memorial service for Saturday, Feb. 6, at 2 p.m. at Emmanuel Wesleyan Church, 217 Beaglin Park Drive, Salisbury. Friends are asked to come a few minutes early to share memories of Erik on cards that the family has prepared.

A burial will be held once Erik’s remains are found, Kevin Mezick said.

Erick had worked for Cloverland since last March after taking early retirement from a job as a correctional officer at the Wicomico County Detention Center.

He is survived by his parents, Bicky and Henny Mezick, his wife Megan Barron Mezick and their two children Dylan and Hannah, his grandmother, Frances Mezick, two brothers, Adam Mezick and Kevin Mezick, and their sons, Gage, Gavin and Damon, his in-laws Tom and Anne Barron, brothers-in-law Tom Barron and Brian Barron and sister-in-law Kelli Barron Scholl and numerous nieces and nephews.

Erik was preceded in death by his grandfather Wendell Mezick and grandparents Teunis and Klazina Veer and uncle Grady Mezick. 

“Erik lived his life to the fullest and was passionate about anything that had an engine, especially his Mustangs,” family said in an obituary. “He was also very enthusiastic about exercise; to the point that he held the number one spot in the nation for the Espresso bike at the local YMCA. If Erik wasn’t at the YMCA defending his title, he was there swimming laps. Erik also had the passion of taking care of his Granny Frances.”

Arrangements are in the care of Holloway Funeral Home in Salisbury. Visit hollowayfh.com to express condolences to the family.