MANDEL NGAN/AFP/Getty Images
A Wal-Mart truck driver, accused of not sleeping for more than 24 hours before causing a New Jersey Turnpike crash that left comedian Tracy Morgan in critical condition and comedian James “Jimmy Mack” McNair dead, has pleaded not guilty to charges of assault and death by auto, the Associated Press reports.
Kevin Roper entered his plea, and his bail was kept at $50,000, at a Wednesday hearing as investigators continued to look into how his long commute may have played a role in the tragic accident. Morgan suffered several broken bones in the crash and had to undergo surgery. He remains in critical but stable condition.
Two other people in the ill-fated limo bus were seriously injured, while one other passenger was treated and released. The driver of the limo bus and another passenger managed to escape injury.
Wal-Mart has not released Roper's driving route but maintains that the driver was adhering to federal safety regulations. National Transportation Safety Board spokeswoman Kelly Nantel confirmed that while Roper resided in Georgia, his job was based in Delaware.
Read more at the Associated Press.
DISCUSSION