Driver in Tracy Morgan Crash Hadn't Slept in a Day

Meanwhile, Morgan is 'more responsive'
By Evann Gastaldo,  Newser Staff
Posted Jun 9, 2014 9:01 AM CDT
Updated Jun 9, 2014 10:59 AM CDT
Tracy Morgan Responsive After 'Horrific' Crash
Tracy Morgan attends the FX Networks Upfront premiere screening of "Fargo" at the SVA Theater in this April 9, 2014 file photo taken in New York.   (Photo by Greg Allen/Invision/AP, File)

Tracy Morgan is still in critical condition after the six-vehicle crash that left one person dead Saturday, but the actor and comedian was "more responsive" yesterday, his rep said in a statement, calling it "an incredibly encouraging sign." Morgan, 45, suffered injuries including a broken leg, a broken femur, a broken nose, and broken ribs; he had surgery on his leg yesterday. He'll likely remain in a New Jersey hospital for "several weeks," the statement says. Meanwhile, authorities revealed today that Kevin Roper, the Walmart truck driver who hit Morgan's chauffeured SUV limousine, hadn't slept for more than 24 hours before the accident, the New York Post reports.

The tractor-trailer "failed to observe slow-moving traffic ahead of him," overturning Morgan's limo and then causing a "chain reaction" with the other vehicles, according to a police officer. An onlooker tells People she saw the truck swerve, and Morgan's limo spin and ultimately flip after being hit. "It was a horrific sight," she says. The limo driver, who was not seriously hurt, says he heard Morgan calling for help after the wreck, according to the Hollywood Reporter. Roper, 35, has been charged with death by auto and assault by auto. The New York Daily News notes that Roper's Twitter bio used to say, "Driving trucks for a living it’s my road move or get hit! #Walmart." It has since been changed slightly. Walmart claims Roper doesn't have a Twitter account, but a friend of Roper's says the account is indeed Roper's. (More Tracy Morgan stories.)

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