Truck Driver Who Killed James McNair, Injured Tracy Morgan In Turnpike Crash Pleads Guilty

SOUTH BRUNSWICK, NJ— The truck driver who killed James McNair and severely injured Tracy Morgan has pleaded guilty in a deal that avoids prison time and a record, according to news reports.

Kevin Roper, 37, was driving a Walmart truck in 2014 on the New Jersey Turnpike when he crashed into the back of a limo carrying comedians returning to New York from a show. The crash occurred in a construction zone near Exit 8A.

McNair, a comedian, was killed; '30 Rock' star Morgan suffered a traumatic brain injury. Morgan previously settled a lawsuit with Walmart for an undisclosed amount of money.

An investigation by the National Transportation Safety Board found that Roper had not slept for the previous 28 hours before the crash occurred. The report also concluded Roper failed to slow down immediately before the crash, despite posted warning signs. Morgan and other passengers in the limo were not wearing their seat belts when the crash occurred, which the NHSB said contributed to the severity of their injuries.

Roper pleaded guilty to second-degree vehicular homicide and four counts of third-degree aggravated assault.

Roper was initially indicted on charges of first-degree aggravated manslaughter, second-degree vehicular homicide, and third-degree aggravated assault.

His plea deal puts him into a non-prosecution diversion program, according to ABC News 7.

SEE ALSO:

• Twittersphere Mourns James 'Jimmy Mack' McNair
• Family, Friends and Neighbors Pay Tribute to 'Uncle Jimmy Mack'
• Grand Jury Indicted Truck Driver In Tracy Morgan-Uncle Jimmy Mack Crash

-by Lanning Taliaferro (Patch Staff)