Driver in wreck that critically injured Tracy Morgan pays bail
By Holly Yan and Ralph Ellis, June 8, 2014
NEW: Truck driver pays $50,000 bail, New Jersey state police say
Comedian James McNair, also known as "Jimmy Mack," died in the crash
Morgan and two others remain in critical condition
Morgan, a former "Saturday Night Live" cast member, was riding in a limo bus
(CNN) -- A truck driver charged in a crash that critically injured actor Tracy Morgan turned himself in, police said Sunday.
Kevin Roper, 35, posted a $50,000 bail, Sgt. Gregory Williams of New Jersey State Police told CNN.
The chain-reaction wreck early Saturday killed James McNair, 63, who was riding in a limo bus with Morgan. McNair was a comedian who performed under the name Jimmy Mack, said his sister, Valerie Daniel.
Comedians Ardie Fuqua and Harris Stanton also were injured, as was Jeffrey Millea, Williams said. One person was released Saturday, but Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital in New Jersey wouldn't disclose that person's name.
Morgan and two others remained in critical condition Sunday, hospital spokeswoman Zenaida Mendez said.
CNN reached Fuqua's agent on Sunday, but he had no comment.
Actor Tracy Morgan in critical condition
Walmart employee charged
Roper is 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, a statement from Middlesex County Prosecutor's Office said.
Walmart spokeswoman Brooke Buchanan said Roper is an employee.
"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 a statement.
"The facts are continuing to unfold. If it's determined that our truck caused the accident, Walmart will take full responsibility."
Chain-reaction crash
The wreck occurred about 1 a.m. ET Saturday on the turnpike in Mercer County, Williams said.
"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."
Four other vehicles were involved in the crash, the prosecutor's office said, but no one in those vehicles was injured.
Williams said he does not believe alcohol played a role in the crash, but that is under investigation.
The National Transportation Safety Board will investigate "safety issues related to commercial trucking and limousine safety," said agency spokesman Keith Holloway.
From SNL to "30 Rock"
James "Jimmy Mack" McNair and Tracy Morgan "go way back," McNair's sister says.
Morgan, 45, was a regular on "Saturday Night Live" for seven years. He later received an Emmy nomination for his role in "30 Rock," in which he played Tracy Jordan, an exaggerated version of himself.
The New York City native made his reputation with over-the-top characters and impressions of celebrities such as Mike Tyson and Oprah Winfrey.
Morgan performed a comedy tour act Friday night at the Dover Downs Hotel & Casino in Dover, Delaware, the venue said.
Christopher Thompson, spokesman for limo owner Atlantic Transportation Services, said he thought the limo bus was heading to drop Morgan off in New Jersey.
The actor received messages of support and concern on Twitter.
"Wishing a speedy recovery to our friend @realtracymorgan," tweeted SNL Weekend Update.
"Shocked to wake up and read that @realtracymorgan is injured. Love to Tracy and wishing him strength," said former SNL cast member Rachel Dratch.
"My thoughts are with Tracy Morgan and his family. I hope he pulls through this soon and gets back to making us
!" said Joan Rivers.
Source
!" said Joan Rivers.