What Caused the Tracy Morgan Car Crash

by Burke Speaker | June 9, 2014 10:33 am

A driver who reportedly was dozing at the wheel turned himself in to police after causing an accident that killed one and left actor Tracy Morgan in critical condition.

Kevin Roper, a 35-year-old truck driver, lost control of his tractor trailer early Saturday morning and rammed into Morgan’s chauffeured Mercedes limo bus that he was riding in.

The accident resulted in the death of comedian James McNair and left Morgan — known for his work on “Saturday Night Live” and “30 Rock” — and two others in critical condition.

The New Jersey Police said that Roper turned himself in on Saturday night.

He is charged with one count of death by auto and four counts of assault by auto.

According to TMZ, after a $50,000 bail was set for Roper, he was released after only a few hours.

Via the Chicago Tribune[1]:

The impact caused a chain-reaction crash involving a second truck, a sport utility vehicle and two other cars, said New Jersey State Police spokesman Gregory Williams.

McNair, 62, was pronounced dead at the scene, according to New Jersey State Police. Nobody but the four other passengers from the limo bus were taken to the hospital, authorities said.

Lewis Kay, Morgan’s spokesperson, said the 45-year-old comedian had a broken leg and nose, several broken ribs and was having surgery on his leg.

“While Tracy remains in critical condition, he has been more responsive today, which is an incredibly encouraging sign,” Kay, said in a statement. “We expect him to remain in the hospital for several weeks. His family is tremendously overwhelmed and appreciative of the outpouring of love and support from his fans.”

The tractor trailer driver was reportedly working for Walmart (WMT[2]).

“We are working quickly to understand what happened and are cooperating fully with law enforcement to aid their investigation,” said Bill Simon, chief executive of Walmart U.S.

Endnotes:

  1. Chicago Tribune: http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/chi-tracy-morgan-car-crash-20140608,0,2010960.story
  2. WMT: /stock-quotes/WMT-stock-quote/

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