Tracy Morgan was emotional when he gave his first TV interview since he recovered from the crash on June 7, 2014 that left Jake Gyllenhaal's "Accidental Love" co-actor with incapacitating injuries and killed his comic James McNair, who was his friend and mentor.
Speaking to Matt Lauer of Today on June 1, Monday, Morgan said the lawsuit against Wal-Mart is settled "but the pain is always going to be there for Jimmy Mac." Almost exactly a year ago, he was returning from a performance with several friends when a Walmart truck rear-ended the limousine they were traveling in on the New Jersey Turnpike.
"Bones heal, but the loss of my friend will never heal," said the "30 Rock" star who suffered severe brain trauma, several broken ribs and a broken leg after the collision.
While seated during the interview, Morgan was holding a cane with one hand. He revealed that he only remembers waking up and seeing the faces of his fiancée and son but he does not remember the deadly car accident.
Morgan told Lauer that he cannot believe he survived the car accident. The comedian said, "I can't believe I'm just here and just seeing the tragedy that happened, it touches me."
Aside from repeatedly thanking the medical staff who helped him through his recovery, Morgan thanked those who kept his spirits up including his family, staff and friends and "30 Rock" co-stars Tina Fey.
In a statement obtained by Los Angeles Times, Morgan said, "Wal-Mart did right by me and my family, and for my associates and their families. I am grateful that the case was resolved amicably."