Wal-Mart driver implicated in New Jersey auto fatality

Comedian Tracy Morgan was injured in a multiple car pile up in New Jersey around 1 a.m. Saturday (June 7). James McNair, a friend and follow comedian traveling with Morgan, died in the accident when a Wal-Mart tractor trailer slammed into the back of their van. Four other vehicles were also involved in a chain-reaction when Morgan’s van flipped on impact.

Semi driver Kevin Roper, 35, was reportedly charged with one count of death by auto and four counts of assault by auto, according to The New York Times.

Wal-Mart said the facts are continuing to unfold, and if it’s determined that a company truck caused the accident, Wal-Mart will take full responsibility.

“This is a tragedy and we are profoundly sorry that one of our trucks was involved. We are working quickly to understand what happened and are cooperating fully with law enforcement to aid their investigation,” Wal-Mart Stores noted in a press release late Saturday afternoon.

“Safety is our absolute highest priority, but that is no comfort whatsoever to the families and friends who are suffering today. We offer them our deepest condolences. We can’t change what happened, but we will do what’s right for the family of the victim and the survivors in the days and weeks ahead. We’re praying for the family and friends of the passenger who lost his life in the terrible accident in New Jersey. Our hearts go out to everyone involved and we hope those who were injured get the care that they need and make a full recovery.”