Photo:REX USA.
On Sunday, we reported that Tracy Morgan underwent surgery for the multiple injuries he suffered after a six-car accident on the New Jersey Turnpike Saturday. While Morgan's publicist Lewis Kay confirmed that the comedian was responsive after the surgery, he also noted that his recovery would be a long one, with Morgan expected to remain in the hospital for "several weeks."
The 30 Rock star suffered a broken femur, a broken nose, and several broken ribs, but it's his leg that has doctors most concerned. According to MediaTakeOut, which claims to have spoken to an unnamed source who works at Robert Wood Johnson Hospital where Morgan is being treated, the comedian's badly damaged leg might require amputation.
AdvertisementADVERTISEMENT
"[Tracy] suffered a number of traumatic injuries, the most serious is his leg," said the source. "It was crushed during the accident. [Doctors] are working hard to save his leg, but it looks like they may have to amputate.” The veracity of this report remains to be seen, but that it stems from the gotcha gossip blog MediaTakeOut means that it should be taken with a grain of salt.
As for the man being held responsible for the collision, Walmart driver Kevin Roper, 35, from Georgia, has been charged with vehicular manslaughter and is due in court on Wednesday. Roper failed to slow for traffic and swerved to avoid Morgan's limo bus. Today authorities revealed that the driver had not slept in over 24 hours.
Walmart president Bill Simon released a statement, saying the company would "take full responsibility" for the accident if need be. "This is a tragedy and we are profoundly sorry that one of our trucks was involved. We are working quickly to understand what happened and are cooperating fully with law enforcement to aid their investigation."
"We're praying for the family and friends of the passenger who lost his life in the terrible accident." he added.
Other notables who publicly wished Morgan well include Jay Pharoah, who tweeted, "My prayers are with Tracy Morgan and his family, hope big bro pulls through this by the grace of God.." and Andy Cohen, who wrote, "I am praying for @RealTracyMorgan this morning!!! What a great guy."
We'll have more on this story as it develops.