Jamie McCarthy/Getty Images for LOVE ROCKS NYC/God's Love We Deliver
Tracy Morgan has shared a message for the Walmart driver who landed him in a coma after a near-fatal car crash ten years ago.
Morgan shared an exclusive statement with PEOPLE on Friday, June 7. The actor reflected on the “fateful accident” and shared a message for everyone involved.
Additionally, Morgan paid tribute to James McNair, his reported mentor, who passed away in the crash.
“Today is 10 years since our fateful accident, and I want to say to everyone who was in the van with me that night I Love you, and we miss you, Uncle Jimmy Mac, and God bless your family,” Morgan told the outlet.
Amid his statement, the actor even addressed the truck driver who reportedly caused the incident.
“And to the driver that night and his family, me and my comrades forgive you,” he added.
According to the outlet, the incident occurred on June 7, 2014. At the time, Morgan and his passengers were reportedly riding in a limousine when they were struck from behind by a Walmart truck.
The outlet reports that the driver, Kevin Roper, was sleep-deprived and speeding at the time.
In addition to McNair’s death, three other passengers were “severely injured,” per Entertainment Weekly. Meanwhile, Morgan was hospitalized with a broken leg and left in a coma for two weeks. PEOPLE adds that the accident also left the comedian in a wheelchair for five months, and he went to rehab to learn how to speak and walk again.
According to Entertainment Weekly, Morgan sued Walmart for negligence regarding Roper’s sleep deprivation. In response, Walmart accused Morgan and his passengers of not wearing seatbelts. In August 2015, federal regulators investigated the incident and reportedly confirmed both allegations, per NBC News.
The Florida Times-Union reports that Morgan settled the lawsuit with Walmart just a few months earlier in May. According to Wilson Law, Morgan reportedly walked away with $90 million from the settlement.
In 2016, Roper reportedly accepted a plea deal after pleading guilty to “vehicular homicide and four aggravated assault charges,” per Central New Jersey News. Roper was reportedly sentenced to 300 hours of community service. Once completed, Roper reportedly was set to have his charges dismissed, per ABC News.
