A truck driver charged in a crash that
critically injured actor Tracy Morgan turned
himself in, police said Sunday.
Kevin Roper, 35, posted a $50,000 bail, Sgt.
Gregory Williams of New Jersey State Police told CNN.
The chain-reaction wreck early Saturday killed
James McNair, 63, who was riding in a limo bus
with Morgan. McNair was a comedian who
performed under the name Jimmy Mack, said his
sister, Valerie Daniel.
Comedians Ardie Fuqua and Harris Stanton also
were injured, as was Jeffrey Millea, Williams said.
One person was released Saturday, but Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital in New Jersey wouldn’t disclose that person’s name.
Morgan and two others remained in critical condition Sunday, hospital spokeswoman Zenaida Mendez said.
CNN reached Fuqua’s agent on
Sunday, but he had no comment.
Walmart employee charged
Roper is charged with one count
of death by auto and four counts
of assault by auto after the
tractor-trailer he was driving
crashed into the limo bus, a
statement from Middlesex
County Prosecutor’s Office said.
Walmart spokeswoman Brooke
Buchanan said Roper is an employee.
“This is a tragedy, and we are profoundly
sorry that one of our trucks was involved,”
Bill Simon, president and CEO of Walmart
U.S., said in a statement.
“The facts are continuing to unfold. If it’s
determined that our truck caused the
accident, Walmart will take full
responsibility.”
Chain-reaction crash
The wreck occurred about 1 a.m. ET
Saturday on the turnpike in Mercer County, Williams said.
“The driver of the tractor-trailer failed to observe slow-moving traffic ahead,” Williams said. “At the last minute, he swerved to try and avoid the Mercedes limo bus but struck it from behind, forcing the limo to rotate and overturn.”
Four other vehicles were involved in the crash, the prosecutor’s office said, but no one in those vehicles was injured.
Williams said he does not believe alcohol played a
role in the crash, but that is under investigation.
The National Transportation Safety Board will investigate “safety issues related to commercial
trucking and limousine safety,” said agency spokesman Keith Holloway.
From SNL to “30 Rock”
Morgan, 45, was a regular on
“Saturday Night Live” for seven
years. He later received an
Emmy nomination for his role in
“30 Rock,” in which he played
Tracy Jordan, an exaggerated
version of himself.
The New York City native made
his reputation with over-the-top
characters and impressions of
celebrities such as Mike Tyson
and Oprah Winfrey.
Morgan performed a comedy tour act Friday night
at the Dover Downs Hotel & Casino in Dover,
Delaware, the venue said.
Christopher Thompson, spokesman for limo owner
Atlantic Transportation Services, said he thought
the limo bus was heading to drop Morgan off in New Jersey.
The actor received messages of support and concern on Twitter.
“Wishing a speedy recovery to our friend
@RealTracyMorgan,” tweeted SNL Weekend
Update.
“Shocked to wake up and read that
@RealTracyMorgan is injured. Love to Tracy and
wishing him strength,” said former SNL cast
member Rachel Dratch.
“My thoughts are with Tracy Morgan and his family. I hope he pulls through this soon and gets
back to making us laugh!” said Joan Rivers.
“Saying a prayer for @RealTracyMorgan,” said actor-director Jon Favreau.
“Come on @RealTracyMorgan pull through this
buddy,” tweeted actor Ike Barinholtz of “The
Mindy Project.”
Source : CNN
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