The truck driver accused of plowing into Tracy Morgan’s limo — critically injuring the “30 Rock” star and killing another comedian — hadn’t slept for 24 hours before the deadly crash, authorities said Monday.
Kevin Roper, a 35-year-old from Jonseboro, Ga., was charged with death by auto and assault in connection to Saturday’s horrific New Jersey Turnpike smashup that killed Morgan’s pal, comic James McNair.
View videoRoper caused the crash “specifically by operating the aforementioned vehicle on the New Jersey Turnpike without having slept for a period in excess of 24 hours,” according to a criminal complaint filed in Plainsboro by prosecutor Andrew Carey.
Roper is free after posting $50,000 bail. He’s set to face Middlesex County Judge Bradley Ferencz on Wednesday.
Morgan was still listed in critical condition at a New Jersey hospital Monday.
Limo driver Tyrone Gale said he and other passengers never saw it coming — a Walmart big rig that slammed into them from behind early Saturday.
“It felt like an explosion,” Gale told ABC News on Sunday. “I climbed around and heard Tracy screaming for help.”
Gale was in no position to immediately get to Morgan.
“I climbed up on the body of the limo bus,” he said, “but I couldn’t reach them and pull them.”
Morgan and his crew had been all smiles earlier that night after doing a show in Dover, Del.
Gale recalled how much pride Morgan had seeing his infant daughter.
“[It was] a great show in Dover, a lot of excitement going home,” Gale said. “Tracy was holding the baby before we left and he said, `I’m holding my princess!’”
Walmart CEO Bill Simon has said his company will “take full responsibility” if it’s shown that its driver caused this accident.
“We’re praying for the family and friends of the passenger who lost his life in the terrible accident in New Jersey,” Simon said.
“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.”
He added: “The facts are continuing to unfold. If it’s determined that our truck caused the accident, Walmart will take full responsibility.”
Additional reporting by Kathryn Cusma and David K. Li