Celebrity
Tracy Morgan Remains in Critical Condition But ‘More Responsive’
30 Rock star Tracy Morgan remains in critical condition, but has appeared to show signs of improvement after a car accident on Saturday that killed comedian James McNair.
“He has been more responsive today, which is an incredibly encouraging sign,” said Morgan’s publicist.
Morgan’s limo bus was hit by a tractor-trailer on the New Jersey Turnpike near Cranberry Township around 1 a.m. causing a chain reaction wreck. Morgan suffered several injuries, including a broken femur, broken nose and several broken ribs.
The 30 Rock actor underwent surgery on Sunday for his leg, which his publicist stated, “any road to recovery would be a long one. We expect him to remain in the hospital for several weeks.”
The chain reaction wreck took the life of comedian and mentor to Morgan, James McNair, who performed under the name Jimmy Mack, and injured several others.
According to officials, comedians Ardie Fuqua and Harris Stanton were among those injured, as was Jeffery Millea. One of the victims involved in the accident was released on Saturday, but the Robert Wood University Hospital in New Jersey has yet to disclose who it was.
Kevin Roper, the Wal-Mart truck driver charged in the crash, turned himself into officials. Roper has been charged with one count of death by auto and four counts of assault by auto, as stated in a statement released by Middlesex County Prosecutor’s Office. According to a criminal complaint filed on the incident, Roper was awake for over 24 hours at the time of the crash.
Wal-Mart President Bill Simon has revealed that his company “will take full responsibility” if authorities find that the truck caused the accident. The company’s full statement read:
“We’re praying for the family and friends of the passenger who lost his life in the terrible accident in New Jersey. Our hearts go out to everyone involved and we hope those who were injured get the care that they need and make a full recovery. This is a tragedy and we are profoundly sorry that one of our trucks was involved. We are working quickly to understand what happened and are cooperating fully with law enforcement to aid their investigation.
“The facts are continuing to unfold. If it’s determined that our truck caused the accident, Walmart will take full responsibility. Safety is our absolute highest priority, but that is no comfort whatsoever to the families and friends who are suffering today. We offer them our deepest condolences. We can’t change what happened, but we will do what’s right for the family of the victim and the survivors in the days and weeks ahead.”