The accident left 45 year old Morgan critically injured and his fellow comedian James McNair dead. Other passengers in the vehicle were also injured. The good news is that after 5 weeks in the hospital, Morgan has been released to complete his recovery at home.
Making his very first appearance after the ugly accident in New Jersey, Tracy Morgan appears to be in good shape. Giving the peace sign to the paparazzi while leaving his mansion in New Jersey on Monday, July 14, he said that he was overwhelmed bu the immense support that he received during his critical period. “I’m alright”, Morgan told the paparazzi casually before adding, “ I want to take this moment to say that I appreciate each and every one of you for everything. Muve Love.”
The former 30 Rock star experienced several serious injuries from the tragic accident, including a broken femur, a broken nose, a broken leg and a number of broken ribs. When he left the rehabilitation center five weeks after the fatal accident his representative confirmed, “Tracy is now out o the rehab center and he is making tremendous steps towards his recovery. He is now prescribed to an aggressive outpatient schedule.”
Wal-Mart on the spot for negligence
Comedian Tracy Morgan has sued Wal-Mart for negligence a month after being involved in the critical accident. The lawsuit claims that 35 year old Kevin Roper, the War-Mart driver allegedly responsible for the wreck, was driving at 20 miles per hour over the allowed limit on that day.
His represnatitve further stated, “Morgan is very overwhelmed by your concern and he wishes to pass his heartfelt gratitude to all of you who have walked with him to this point. In addition, he would appreciate some alone time with his family and loved ones as he processes towards his recovery.”
It has also been established that Roper had gone more than 24 hours without sleep, contrary to the federal rules that allow drivers to work for up to 14 hours, but only 11 hours at a time behind the wheel. By the time of the crash, Roper had been behind the wheel for more than 13 hours.
The charges associate Roper with assault-by-vehicle and vehicular homicide. Prosecutors have further claimed that the Wal-Mart driver rear-ended Morgan’s limo van that helped his entourage on the fateful June 7, resulting in one fatality. Roper has pleaded guilty to the charges of death by auto and assault by auto. Morgan and his entourage (co-plantiffs in the lawsuit), including the late James McNair, fellow comedian Ardley Fuqua, and his assistant Jeffery Milea, were driving along the New Jersey Turnpike when the Wal-Mart truck rammed into their limo van. New York comedian James McNair died in the crash. The plaintiffs are seeking damages that are yet to be specified, as well as attorney fees.
Wal-Mart’s Response
According to a statement released by Walmart’s spokesperson, they are willing to take full responsibility and pay an expenses for the crash victims if the truck driver is found guilty of the charges. “We are sincerely sorry for the ill-fated crash that involved one of our trucks,” Wal-Mart’s spokesperson said. “As we have mentioned, we are in total cooperation of the ongoing investigations.” Clearly, from the information released to the public, it seems as if Wal-Mart was in violation several federal rules in connection with the Tracy Morgan accident. However, more is yet to come, as of now we can only wish Morgan all the best in his recovery.