Tag: walmart truck driver

Tracy Morgan is still in critical condition today after a six-vehicle crash in New Jersey that left one man dead, and new reports suggest that the truck driver who caused the chain reaction may have dozed off right before the accident.

According to ABC News, the driver of the Walmart truck, Kevin Roper, may have fallen asleep at the wheel and didn’t see that traffic in front of him was slowing down until the last second. The truck slammed into the limo bus carrying Morgan and a group of comedians who were coming from a performance.

“Driver failed to observe slow-moving traffic ahead. He observed at the last minute — just prior to impact — the limo bus carrying Morgan and his party,” New Jersey State Police Sgt. First Class Gregory Williams said.

James McNair, a longtime friend and collaborator who has been described as a mentor for Morgan, died in the accident. Also in critical condition is Morgan’s assistant, Jeff Millea, although his condition has not been released. Comedians Ardie Fuqua and Harris Stanton were injured, as well.

Roper turned himself in after the crash and was later released on $50,000 bail, although he has been charged with one count of death by auto and four counts of assault by auto. A spokesman for Walmart said the company will take responsibility for the accident if it is proven that the truck was at fault.

Morgan suffered a broken leg, nose, and ribs in the crash and has had surgery on his leg, but a rumor is circulating online that he may have to have the leg amputated. The hospital has not released any information on that, however, and says his condition hasn’t changed much since he was admitted. He has reportedly been more responsive since the surgery.

Image via Wikimedia Commons

The Walmart truck driver who reportedly caused the accident that killed a comedian and left actor Tracy Morgan and two others in critical condition on Saturday has been charged with one count of death by auto and four counts of assault by auto.

35-year old Kevin Roper turned himself in to police after the accident and was later released on $50,000 bail. He has been placed on leave from his job, and Walmart president Bill Simon said the company will take responsibility for the crash if an investigation proves the truck was at fault. Roper reportedly failed to slow down for traffic and swerved, causing his truck to run full into the limo bus that Morgan and a group of comedians were riding in after a performance. A total of six vehicles were involved, but authorities say there were no other injuries.

Morgan was listed in critical condition as of Sunday, but doctors said he was more responsive after having surgery on his broken leg. The 30 Rock actor also suffered a broken nose and several broken ribs.

James “Jimmy Mack” McNair, the victim in the crash, was a close friend of Morgan’s and had worked with him for years.

Sabina Morgan, told the New York Daily News. “He was one of the first comedians that took Tracy under his wing. They were very close,” said Sabina Morgan, Tracy’s ex-wife.

The driver of the limo said he heard Morgan’s screams for help after the car came to a stop but couldn’t get to him or the other passengers. As of this time, McNair’s cause of death hasn’t been released, but his passing has affected the comedy community greatly.

“There may be guys like Tracy who get the fame and notoriety, but you have people like Jimmy Mack who have kind of energized and fueled cats like Tracy and kept them going on the road,” comedian Royale Watkins said.

Image via Wikimedia Commons