Photo: TV Guide —
Comedian/Actor Tracy Morgan
A Walmart truck driver has been charged in a horrific accident in New Jersey today, which killed one and injured several others — including comedian/actor, Tracy Morgan. Thirty-five year old, Kevin Roper of Jonesboro, Georgia, was charged with one count of death by auto and four counts of assault by auto, according to CNN.
The accident occurred early this morning on the New Jersey Turnpike. Roper reportedly was driving a Walmart tractor-trailer, which slammed into the back of a limo bus carrying Morgan and several others. One of the limo passengers, Morgan’s comedy writer, 63 year-old, James McNair was killed. Morgan is hospitalized in critical condition. Three others were hurt, two of them seriously.
There are reports the truck driver did not realize the traffic had slowed before slamming into the limo, causing a chain reaction crash — involving several vehicles.
Morgan was on tour and had just finished a stand-up gig in Delaware on Friday night. Morgan is best known for performances on “Saturday Night Live” and the TV series “30 Rock.”
Today Walmart U.S. President and CEO, Bill Simon, issued a statement.
Photo courtesy Walmart – Walmart U.S. President and CEO Bill Simon
Saturday, June 7, 2014
“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.”
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