NEWS

Authorities: Trucker in Morgan crash hadn't slept

Staff Writer
Columbus Monthly

NEW BRUNSWICK, N.J. (AP) — A truck driver's lack of sleep is being blamed for the highway crash that injured Tracy Morgan and killed another comedian in New Jersey.

According to a criminal complaint, Wal-Mart trucker Kevin Roper hadn't slept for more than 24 hours before the accident. Authorities say Roper apparently failed to slow for traffic ahead early Saturday in Cranbury Township and swerved at the last minute to avoid a crash. His big rig smashed into the back of Morgan's Mercedes limo bus, killing comedian James "Jimmy Mack" McNair.

Morgan, a former "Saturday Night Live" and "30 Rock" cast member, suffered a broken femur, a broken nose and several broken ribs. He's expected to remain hospitalized for weeks.

Roper remains free after posting $50,000 bond. He's expected to appear in state court Wednesday.