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

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.

McNair, a comedian and beloved Peekskill resident, was killed; '30 Rock' star Morgan suffered a traumatic brain injury.

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:

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• Grand Jury Indicted Truck Driver In Tracy Morgan-Uncle Jimmy Mack Crash