Tracy Morgan is probably one of the funniest guys you will ever see on television. Having moved up the ranks within Saturday Night Live and into a few movies, Morgan had quite a following of fans that loved him for his comedic personality. Last year, things changed very drastically for Morgan and a couple friends when there were involved in an accident that left one dead and Tracy Morgan dealing with many broken bones himself.
That friend, James McNair, died that night and was also a comedian who opened for Tracy Morgan on a regular basis. The accident happened in Delaware on a highway as Tracy Morgan and friends were making their way back from a show in a limo van. McNair had two children, 19 years old and one that was 26 years old and they were part of a lawsuit very shortly after their father’s death. McNair was 62-years old and was also known as Uncle Jimmy Mack to many of his fans.
As with many out of court settlements, Wal-mart does not accept responsibility for the death of McNair, which happened to be a good friend and mentor to Morgan. The lawyer for the family did not disclose the amount that was settled on outside of court, but did say that the money will allow the “young adults to go forward with their lives in a manner that would make their dad proud.” The accident happened on the New Jersey turnpike when a semi driver plowed into the back of the limo van that was carrying Tracy Morgan and others.
Tracy Morgan was badly injured and according to reports, suffered a traumatic brain injury in the accident and also has a lawsuit against Wal-mart that is proceeding through federal court now. The driver of the semi was charged with death by auto and four counts of assault by auto. According to the report, Kevin Roper was operating the truck without having slept for more than 24 hours, which is against the law.
It was also found out that Roper was driving at least 20 MPH over the posted speed limit due to construction on that road. That was the speed of the semi about 60 seconds before the accident occurred sending McNair to his death and injuring the others inside the limo van. The charges that are being called against Roper are pending right now in state court. According to reports, McNair’s children have not been in touch with Tracy Morgan since the accident, but they do “wish him well”.