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Tracy Morgan "More Responsive" Following Fatal Crash

Former SNL actor Tracy Morgan, 45, broke several bones as a result of a fatal car accident on the New Jersey Turnpike.
Image: Actor Tracy Morgan arrives at the Comedy Awards in 2012 in New York City,
Actor Tracy Morgan arrives at the Comedy Awards in 2012 in New York City.Lee Celano / Reuters file

From NBC Philadelphia

Former SNL actor Tracy Morgan, 45, broke several bones as a result of a fatal car accident on the New Jersey Turnpike at 1 a.m. Saturday morning. The crash killed Morgan's mentor James "Jimmy Mack" McNair, 62, of Peekskill, New York.

The comedian remains in critical condition but his family is encouraged by his progress after he underwent surgery on his leg today.

"While Tracy remains in critical condition, he has been more responsive today, which is an incredibly encouraging sign. He sustained a number of injuries including a broken leg, a broken femur, a broken nose and several broken ribs," said his publicist Lewis Kay.

"He had surgery earlier today on his leg. We expect him to remain in the hospital for several weeks. His family is tremendously overwhelmed and appreciative of the outpouring of love and support from his fans."

Kevin Roper was driving a Walmart big rig on the turnpike and hit the limo that Morgan was riding in.

The tractor-trailer driver, Kevin Roper, 35, of Jonesboro, Georgia, was charged with one count of death by auto and four counts of assault by auto, Middlesex County Prosecutor’s Office said in a news release. Roper, accompanied by his attorney, turned himself in to state police. He was released on $50,000 bail Saturday night.

The accident happened about 15 miles north of Trenton near Exit 7A of the Turnpike in Cranbury, N.J.

Jeffrey Millea, of Shelton, Connecticut, and comedian Ardie Fuqua Jr. were listed in critical condition along with Morgan at Robert Wood Johnson Hospital, hospital spokeswoman Zenaida Mendez said Sunday, The Associated Press reported. Another comedian, Harris Stanton, was treated and released from the hospital Saturday.

A court appearance is expected Monday but has not been scheduled, according to the Middlesex County Prosecutor's Office

Image: Actor Tracy Morgan arrives at the Comedy Awards in 2012 in New York City,
Actor Tracy Morgan arrives at the Comedy Awards in 2012 in New York City.Lee Celano / Reuters file