Tracy Morgan Released From Rehab 1 Month After Crash

Morgan suffered a broken leg and broken ribs when the limousine van he was riding in was hit from behind June 7 by a Wal-Mart truck on the New Jersey Turnpike

Former "Saturday Night Live" star Tracy Morgan has been released from a rehabilitation facility one month after the deadly limo bus crash that left him critically injured and a fellow comedian dead, his agent said in a statement Saturday.

"Tracy has been released from the rehabilitation center and will continue his recovery efforts at home with an aggressive outpatient program," Lewis Kay said in a statment. "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."

Morgan suffered a broken leg and broken ribs when the limousine van he was riding in was hit from behind June 7 by a Wal-Mart truck on the New Jersey Turnpike.

The wreck killed 62-year-old comedian James McNair, who went by the name Jimmy Mack. Comedian Ardley Fuqua and another passenger, Jeffrey Millea, were injured.

The update on the actor's medical condition comes after Morgan filed a lawsuit against Wal-Mart over the crash on Thursday. The complaint claims the retail giant should have known that its driver had been awake for over 24 hours and that his commute of 700 miles from his home in Georgia to work in Delaware was "unreasonable." It also alleges the driver fell asleep at the wheel.

"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," according to the complaint.

Morgan's lawsuit seeks a jury trial and punitive and compensatory damages. Fuqua and Millea are also named as plaintiffs. Kay confirmed Morgan and other victims of the crash are suing Wal-Mart.

"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," Wal-Mart said.

Truck driver Kevin Roper, 35, of Jonesboro, Georgia, has pleaded not guilty to death by auto and assault by auto charges.

A report by federal transportation safety investigators said Roper was driving 65 mph in the 60 seconds before he slammed into the limo van. The speed limit on that stretch of the turnpike is 55 mph and was lowered to 45 mph that night because of construction.

Roper had been on the job about 13 1/2 hours at the time of the crash, the report concluded. Federal rules permit truck drivers to work up to 14 hours a day, with a maximum of 11 hours behind the wheel.

Morgan, a New York City native, was returning from a standup performance at Dover Downs Hotel & Casino in Delaware when the crash occurred.

Copyright AP - Associated Press
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