Tracy Morgan opened up Monday in his first live TV interview since being involved in a deadly car crash on the New Jersey Turnpike last year, which claimed the life of his friend and comedian James McNair.
Morgan broke his silence in a sit-down with Matt Lauer following a settlement with Walmart
stemming from the June 7, 2014, crash, "Today" reported.
“The case is settled, but the pain is always going to be there for Jimmy Mac,” Morgan said tearfully in the interview.
The “30 Rock” star was left with serious injuries, including a broken leg, several broken ribs, and severe brain trauma after a Walmart truck rear-ended a limousine carrying McNair, Morgan, and two others after a performance, "Today" reported. The two other passengers were seriously injured as well.
“I can't believe I'm here. I can't believe I'm in front of you,” Morgan said. “I can't believe I'm just here and just seeing the tragedy that happened. It touches me.”
Morgan said he does not remember the actual accident. The first thing he can recall is awakening from his coma two weeks after the crash to see his fiancée and son.
The last memory Morgan has of McNair is from the night of the crash at the Delaware show where they performed.
After hearing of his friend's death, Morgan said he returned home and began watching YouTube videos of the accident and clips of McNair’s funeral.
“I had to know what happened to my friend,” Morgan said. “I had to pay my respects, and that was my way. He was a close friend of mine, a comrade in comedy. It's just hard for me to see that he's gone.”
Walmart settled with Morgan last week, claiming full responsibility for the accident. The initial complaint accused truck driver Kevin Roper of not sleeping for more than 24 hours prior to the crash and of driving 20 miles over the speed limit when it occurred.
Normally Morgan
travels with his family, according to The Hollywood Reporter, and the comedian said he thankful neither his now-wife or his 10-month-old daughter were with him.
The actor plans to return to his joke telling when he is in better health.
“Right now my goal is just to heal and get better because I'm not 100 percent yet,” Morgan said. “And when I'm there, you'll know it. I'll get back to making you laugh. I promise you.”
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