A Georgia man was charged with one count of death by auto and four counts of assault by auto in connection to the crash that killed one man and left comedian Tracy Morgan in critical condition.
Comedian Tracy Morgan critically injured in crash http://t.co/PatpYyseZq pic.twitter.com/Hub2kYKQ7r
— TODAY T (@tdy_T) June 8, 2014
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The crash happened around 1 a.m. on Saturday, June 7, reports USA Today. Morgan was returning from a tour date in Delaware when his limousine van became part of a six-car pileup in the New Jersey Turnpike.
A tractor-trailer smashed into Morgan's van after its driver allegedly failed to notice the slowing traffic in front of him. Morgan's van was overturned and 4 other vehicles were affected.
According to CNN, the driver, who has been identified as Kevin Roper, 45, swerved at the last minute in efforts to avoid the crash, but ended up hitting Morgan's limo van from behind. Bail was set at $50,000.
Authorities reported that 63-year-old comedian James McNair, who was traveling with Morgan, was killed, and four other passengers, including Morgan, were taken to the hospital. The passengers in the other four vehicles were not injured.
Walmart spokesperson Brooke Buchanan confirmed that Roper is a Walmart employee, and stated that if is found that their truck caused the accident, Walmart will take full responsibility.