Comedian and actor Tracy Morgan was finally released from a rehab center on Saturday, July 12 following a car accident last month that left him with a broken leg, nose and ribs. Morgan's rep, Lewis Kay, told USA Today that the comedian was transferred to his home where he will "continue his efforts with an aggressive outpatient program."
"He asked me to pass along his sincerest gratitude to everyone who has helped him get to this point. He would also appreciate some privacy during this crucial point in his recovery," Kay added.
On June 7, Morgan and his friends were involved in a six-vehicle car crash on the New Jersey Turnpike after a Wal-Mart truck driver slammed into the back of Morgan's limousine bus. The "30 Rock" star was rushed to a local hospital along with several other people.
The accident killed Morgan's friend and fellow comedian James "Jimmy Mack" McNair. The rep also confirmed that the 45-year-old is a co-plaintiff in a lawsuit filed against Wal-Mart. The suit alleges that the company was negligent for allowing Kevin Roper, the driver of the tractor-trailer, to remain behind the wheel even though he was lacking sleep.
An investigation by the National Transportation Safety Board discovered that Roper had been awake for over 24 hours and was also driving 20 miles per hour over the reduced speed limit in a construction zone. There were also reports that Roper fell asleep behind the wheel.
According to reports, he realized at the last minute that traffic had slowed in front of him and swerved to avoid an accident. However, the Wal-Mart truck hit the back of Morgan's limo and sent the vehicle spinning out of control.
"As a result of Wal-Mart's gross, reckless, willful, wanton, and intentional conduct, it should be appropriately punished with the imposition of punitive damages," the complaint said.
Fellow passengers Ardley Fuqua and Jeffrey and Krista Millea are also named as plaintiffs in the lawsuit.
According to NBCPhilly.com, the company issued a statement in response to the suit and said: "This has been a terrible tragedy. We wish Mr. Morgan, Mr. Fuqua Jr. and Mr. Millea full recoveries. Our thoughts continue to go out to them, their families and friends, as well as to the families and friends of everyone involved, including Mr. McNair who lost his life. We are deeply sorry that one of our trucks was involved. As we've said, we're cooperating fully in the ongoing investigation. We know it will take some time to resolve all of the remaining issues as a result of the accident, but we're committed to doing the right thing for all involved."
