US actor / comedian critically injured in truck smash

09/06/2014

The former Saturday Night Live and 30 Rock cast member was returning from a stand-up show in Delaware with six others when the limo bus overturned on the New Jersey Turnpike near Cranberry Township, killing Morgan’s mentor and fellow comedian James “Jimmy Mack” McNair.

The tractor-trailer driver has been charged with death by auto and four counts of assault by auto.

Jeffrey Millea, of Shelton, Connecticut, and comedian Ardie Fuqua Jr. were both listed in critical conditions at Robert Wood Johnson Hospital along with Morgan, hospital spokeswoman Zenaida Mendez said on Sunday. Another comedian, Harris Stanton, was treated and released from the hospital on Saturday.

The 35-year-old truck driver from Jonesboro, Georgia, apparently failed to slow for traffic ahead and swerved at the last minute to avoid a crash. Instead, his rig smashed into the back of the Mercedes limo bus, prompting a chain-reaction crash with a second tractor-trailer, an SUV and two cars.

Wal-Mart President Bill Simon confirmed that one of the company’s trucks was involved and that the company “will take full responsibility” if authorities determine its truck caused the accident.

The National Transportation Safety Board said it was working with state police to look at any issues in the crash related to commercial trucking and limousine safety.