Over the weekend, we reported on the terrible six vehicle car accident that left comedian and actor, Tracy Morgan, in critical condition.
We’ve now learned that the driver, a Walmart worker by the name of Kevin Roper, has since been charged with the wreck.
Of the accident, Walmart spokeswoman Brooke Buchanan confirmed that Roper is an employee in an official statement.
“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 the statement.
“The facts are continuing to unfold. If it’s determined that our truck caused the accident, Walmart will take full responsibility.”
Roper turned himself in to NJ authorities on Saturday.
He was 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 containing the comedian and several others.
“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.”
He posted a $50,000 bail Saturday night, according to James O’Neill, spokesman for the Middlesex, NJ, district attorney’s office.
Morgan remained in critical condition on Sunday but has since undergone surgery on a broken leg, broken nose, and broken femur.
“He has been more responsive today, which is an incredibly encouraging sign,” his publicist Lewis Kay said at the time.
He’s now listed in critical but stable condition and is expected to make a fully recovery. He’ll remain hospitalized for several more weeks.
The accident left fellow comedian and friend to Morgan, James McNair, dead and several others injured.
Authorities believe that alcohol did not play a part in the wreck.
