A year after he was seriously injured in a car accident that also killed comedian and friend James McNair, Tracy Morgan gave his first interview Monday, and said he plans to return to comedy.
Morgan, 46, was seriously injured in a June 7, 2014 car accident on the New Jersey Turnpike, when a tractor-trailer owned by Walmart and driven by 35-year-old Kevin Roper was speeding and slammed into the back of a limo bus occupied by the 30 Rock star and others.
The comedian was emotional when describing the events leading up to and after the accident during an interview with Today’s Matt Lauer, and spoke highly of his comedy writer, James “Jimmy Mack” McNair.
When asked by Lauer about the emotional pain from the crash, Morgan said, “Bones heal… The loss of my friend will never heal.”
Morgan suffered brain trauma and other injuries in the 2014 crash, and Walmart recently reached a settlement with Morgan.
The comedian praised the retail chain for taking care of McNair’s family, and said the company’s actions will help his friend rest in peace.
“I’m happy Walmart stepped up to the plate in a tremendous way,” he said.
Morgan’s attorney, Benedict Morelli, told Lauer Walmart CEO Doug McMillon had reached out to him and wishes to apologize personally to Morgan for the retailer’s role in the accident.
Tracy also told Lauer he now has “good days and bad days” and suffers from memory loss, headaches, and nosebleeds.
“I love comedy and I can’t wait to get back to her… I’m not 100 percent yet,” he said, as he pointed to scars on his head. “When I’m there you’ll know it.”
Morgan also thanked first responders for saving his life after the accident, including police officers, paramedics, bystanders and his driver, and also thanked his doctors and nurses.
Watch the compete interview above.