Tracy Morgan finally returned to television after recovering from a crash that left him in critical condition and took the life of his close friend and comedic mentor James McNair. After almost a year since the tragic event and a few days after finalizing a settlement with Wal-Mart—the legal proceedings can be assumed to be the reason for Morgan’s hushed demeanor—Morgan was scheduled to speak with Matt Laurer on the “Today” show Monday, June 1.
The Hollywood Reporter reported on June 8, 2014: “Thirty-five-year-old truck driver Kevin Roper of Jonesboro, Ga., has been charged by Middlesex Country prosecutors with death by auto for setting off the chain reaction crash that has put ‘30 Rock’ and ‘Saturday Night Live’ alum Tracy Morgan in critical condition, and that has killed James McNair, 62, Morgan’s comedic mentor. Roper also faces four counts of assault by auto. Also in the overturned Mercedes limo bus and in critical condition were Morgan’s assistant Jeffrey Millea, 36, and comedian Ardie Fuqua Jr. Comic Harris Stanton, also in the bus, was treated and released while two others in the limo were unhurt.”
In regards to the current legal proceedings, Deadline.com reported, “With no details made public, attorneys for the parties have come to a proposed confidential settlement, a filing federal court in the Garden State today revealed.”
“Wal-Mart did right by me and my family, and for my associates and their families,” said Morgan in a statement. “I am grateful that the case was resolved amicably.”
A motion put before the court to seal certain documents referred to “confidential settlement negotiations and the confidential final settlement amounts” between Morgan’s camp and Wal-Mart.”
Morgan has been photographed giving photographers and paparazzi the “thumbs up” after the settlement. E! reported that he appears to be “looking happier and healthier.” Nonetheless, he is still walking with a cane, showing signs of slight fragility from his injuries.