In typical Wal-Mart fashion the settlement it reached with comedian Tracy Morgan and others in the June 7, 2014 fatality accident involving a Walmart truck on the New Jersey Turnpike was sealed. The retailer did release a statement to the media Wednesday (May 27) regarding the settlement with Morgan, Ardley Fuqua and Jeffery Millea but said the terms and conditions of the settlement with Morgan and the other plaintiffs are confidential.
“Our thoughts continue to go out to everyone that was involved in the accident," said Greg Foran, Walmart U.S. president and CEO. "While we know there is nothing that can change what happened, Wal-Mart has been committed to doing what's right to help ensure the well-being of all of those who were impacted by the accident.”
Foran adds that the company worked with the plaintiff’s lawyer Benedict Morelli, and is pleased to have reached an amicable settlement that ends this litigation.
“We are deeply sorry that one of our trucks was involved,” said Foran.
Wal-Mart spokesman Randy Hargrove told The City Wire that the driver, Kevin Roper, is still employed but he remains on administrative, non-driving leave.
Wal-Mart did not respond to questions about any changes in protocol that might result or have already resulted from this high profile accident.
The plaintiff’s counsel Benedict Morelli said he worked with the retailer to reach the settlement on behalf of the victims and Wal-Mart took full responsibility for the accident.
“Wal-Mart did right by me and my family, and for my associates and their families. I am grateful the case was resolved amicably,” Tracy Morgan stated in the release.
Earlier this year Wal-Mart settled a civil suit with the family of James McNair, the comedian killed in the Morgan accident. That settlement was also confidential, with Wal-Mart admitting no liability for the accident.
Roper plead not guilty to charges of vehicular homicide and assault-by-auto. Federal investigators found that Roper was driving 20 miles per hour more than the speed limit just before the crash. Wal-Mart has said the passengers were not wearing seatbelts at the time of the crash.