Tracy Morgan Update: Actor Broke Several Bones, But Now Improving
Tracy Morgan has started to show signs of improvement after suffering a car crash that left one friend dead and two others injured, though doctors said the former 30 Rock star is still in critical condition.
Morgan was reportedly more responsive on Sunday, one day after a tractor trailer crashed into a limousine he was riding in on the New Jersey Turnpike.
“He has been more responsive today, which is an incredibly encouraging sign,” said Lewis Kay, Morgan’s publicist.
But Tracy Morgan is still facing difficult circumstances. Doctors say he broke several bones, including his ribs, nose, and leg. With his condition stabilized, Morgan underwent surgery on Sunday.
The crash killed James McNair, a fellow comedian and friend of Morgan’s who goes by the name Jimmy Mack.
McNair and Morgan had worked on the New York City comedy circuit together for years, and Morgan often called on his friends to write jokes and appear in occasional Saturday Night Live sketches.
On Sunday the truck driver blamed for causing the crash turned himself in to police. Sources say the man, 35-year-old Kevin Roper, was falling asleep at the wheel.
Roper is charged with one count of death by auto and four counts of assault by auto. He made bail on Sunday and was released.
Roper was identified as a Walmart employee, and on Sunday the company released a statement vowing to take responsibility.
“This is a tragedy, and we are profoundly sorry that one of our trucks was involved,” Bill Simon, president and CEO of Walmart US, 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.”
After 30 Rock went off the air last year, Tracy Morgan remained busy. Aside from standup comedy touring, he was also slated to appear in a comedy series for FX, one from It’s Always Sunny In Philadelphia creators Rob McElhenney, Glenn Howerton, and Charlie Day along with Sunny writer Luvh Rakhe. Production had been schedule to start in New York in August.
Though he is improving, doctors say it will be a long recovery for Tracy Morgan. He is expected to remain in the hospital for several weeks.
