Comedian Tracy Morgan is suing Walmart after one of their truck drivers slammed into his limo bus in early June, causing a six-car pileup, injuring four and killing one.
In his suit, Morgan alleges that an accident was bound to happen because the driver was so exhausted, TMZ reports. Morgan and three other plaintiffs are seeking unspecified damages.
The driver, Kevin Roper, had already been awake for 24 hours and driven 700 miles before he began driving for another 10 hours. The accident occurred on the New Jersey turnpike at approximately 1 a.m. on Saturday, June 7, as Morgan was leaving a performance of his “Turn it Funny” tour in Dover, Del. Roper failed to realize traffic was slowing in front of him, and crashed into Morgan’s limo going 65 in a 45 mph zone. (RELATED: Morgan Involved In A Six-Car Pileup)
James McNair, a 65-year-old comedian and mentor to Morgan, died in the crash. Four others, including Morgan, were injured. Morgan was rushed to the hospital in critical condition with broken bones, fractured ribs, internal bleeding and a concussion. It was unclear whether Morgan’s leg would have to be amputated, and a nurse described it as “in very bad condition” with partial paralysis. Morgan opted against amputation and will work with intense physical therapy. (RELATED: UPDATE: Tracy Morgan Will Keep Partially Paralyzed Leg)
Roper adamantly claimed innocence, even going on Twitter to unleash a rant about the accident. (RELATED: Driver Responsible For Tracy Morgan Crash Declares His Innocence)
He has been charged with vehicular homicide and assault. Morgan has also defended the driver, saying he is “adamant that it was an accident,” and “expressed concerns regarding the charges that were brought on the driver.”
Walmart told TMZ in response to the lawsuit, “As we’ve said, we’re cooperating fully in the ongoing investigation. We know it will take some time to resolve all of the remaining issues as a result of the accident, but we’re committed to doing the right thing for all involved.”