Tracy Morgan, Walmart Reach Settlement Over Fatal Crash
Actor Tracy Morgan has reportedly settled his lawsuit against Walmart in reference to last year’s fatal highway crash on the New Jersey Turnpike.
According to the Hollywood Reporter, documents filed in a Newark federal court Wednesday confirm that a confidential settlement has been reached by both parties.
Tracy Morgan “grateful that the [Walmart] case was resolved amicably” http://t.co/2ne9Pd8FMX pic.twitter.com/nSpXm312Rp
— Hollywood Reporter (@THR) May 27, 2015
The details of the agreement have not been disclosed, but the report claims that Walmart Stores Inc. referred to as an “amicable settlement.”
The June, 2014, crash killed comedian James McNair (also known as “Jimmy Mack”) and seriously injured Morgan along with two of his friends. Jeffrey Millea and Ardley Fuqua, passengers that were also seriously injured during the crash, were listed as plaintiffs in the lawsuit against Walmart. Tracy Morgan reportedly suffered head trauma, broken ribs, and a broken leg.
Benedict Morelli, Morgan’s lawyer, referred to his client’s condition as having experienced a “traumatic brain injury.”
JUST IN: Tracy Morgan, Wal-Mart reach settlement in NJ Turnpike crash lawsuit http://t.co/Y1RmX8TJnJ pic.twitter.com/NRxFrgdzce
— NBC Los Angeles (@NBCLA) May 27, 2015
McNair’s children — Jamel and Denita — were awarded $10 million in a settlement awarded to them by Walmart back in January. Walmart truck driver Kevin Roper crashed into the back of a limo van in which Morgan and the others with him were traveling from a Delaware show.
Further reports claim that Roper had not slept for at least 24 hours at the time of the fatal crash and was driving 65 miles per hour shortly before the moment of impact. Roper pleaded not guilty to several criminal charges, including death by auto.
More than a month after the horrific car crash, Tracy Morgan spoke out in public for the first time during a brief encounter with photographers outside of his New Jersey home on Monday, July 14.
“I’m OK. I love you very much. Thank you. I appreciate everything.”
That encounter took place days after Tracy Morgan was reportedly released from the rehabilitation center and allowed to continue his recovery efforts from the incident within the comfort of his own home, according to CBS News.
Further reports claim that Tracy wanted to attend the live broadcast of the star-studded Saturday Night Live 40th Anniversary celebration, but was unable to do so.
In addition to the clips that featured his past performances, Tracy Morgan was specifically honored during a brief segment of the broadcast by his 30 Rock co-stars Alec Baldwin and Tina Fey.
I liked a @YouTube video http://t.co/M1MmSYpslG Tracy Morgan Honored at SNL 40 by Tina Fey and Alec Baldwin
— Thomas Blair (@JOKER1112) February 16, 2015
Around the time of his tragic accident, Tracy Morgan was working on a new television series for FX Networks created by the hilarious trio of guys that created the hit series, It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia.
In an official statement released by the network in June, FX confirmed that Morgan’s “show will be waiting for him” once the actor decides that he is ready to get back to work.
[Image Credit: Jason Merritt / Getty Images]
