Entertainment

Tracy Morgan: Bad Days and Good Days a Year After Limo Crash

Published

9 years ago

June 2, 2015

In this photo provided by NBC, actor and comedian Tracy Morgan, left, and fiancee Megan Wollover appear in an interview with Matt Lauer during taping for tonight’s Nightly News, Monday, June 1, 2015, in New York. Morgan spoke out for the first time since his tragic June 2014, car accident. The comedian discussed his memories of the accident, his struggle to recover, and his outlook for the future. (Peter Kramer/NBC News via AP)

FRAZIER MOORE, AP Television Writer

NEW YORK (AP) — Tracy Morgan said Monday that he doesn’t remember anything about the limo crash that left him in a coma for two weeks and that, a year later, he still has bad days as well as good.

Appearing live on NBC’s “Today” show for his first public appearance since the accident, Morgan sat clutching a cane and became emotional as he recalled learning after the June 7, 2014, crash that fellow comedian James “Jimmy Mack” McNair was killed.

Morgan came across a video of McNair’s funeral on YouTube, and “I lost it for about a week,” he said.

Asked by “Today” host Matt Lauer what it’s been like emotionally, Morgan replied, “Up and down.” He said he had his daughter, son and fiancee, Megan Wollover, “so they keep my spirits up.”

“But the pain is always going to be there for Jimmy Mack,” he added, his voice cracking and his eyes welling. “He was a loving man, a warm man. He was a good man. He’s gone. That’s it.”

Last week Morgan settled a lawsuit with Wal-Mart, which owned the truck that slammed into the back of the limo van carrying him and others on the New Jersey Turnpike. Morgan suffered head trauma, a broken leg and broken ribs.

“I’m happy that Wal-Mart stepped up to the plate in a tremendous way,” he said. “I’m happy they looked out for Jimmy Mack’s family.”

Lauer noted that Morgan typically traveled with his family to comedy performances but chose not to bring them to the appearance in Delaware from which he was returning when the accident occurred.

“I told Megan, ‘You and the baby (daughter) stay home, and we’ll go to Delaware, and I’ll be right back,'” Morgan said.

Speaking of his own continuing recovery, he said, “I have my good days and my bad days, where I forget things. There are times where I get the headaches and the nosebleeds, and I won’t even let my lady know because I don’t want her to be worried about it.”

Asked if he hopes to get back to performing, he replied, with a tear streaking down his cheek, “I love comedy. I’ll never stop loving her. And I can’t wait to get back to her, but right now, my goal is just to heal and get better. Because I’m not 100 percent yet. I’m not. And when I’m there, you’ll know it. I’ll get back to making you laugh. I promise you.”

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Activism

Richmond Seniors Still Having a Ball After 25 Years

The Senior Winter Ball is a symbol of the Commission on Aging’s broader mission of providing enriching life experiences to the local senior community, particularly those in need of them. “Besides the social activities, we focus on issues such as housing, transportation and health,” said Michelle Hayes, the commission’s chairperson. “We get things done for our senior population.”

Published

3 days ago

November 24, 2024

Oakland Post

Myrtle Braxton (l-r), Byran H. Harris, and Michelle Hayes. Photo by Mike Kinney.

By Mike Kinney
The Richmond Standard

For a quarter century, seniors in the local community have had a prime location in the heart of the city to gather and celebrate the holidays.

That is courtesy of the annual Senior Winter Ball, which will mark a milestone this year when it takes place for the 25^th time. The gala will run from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. at Richmond Memorial Auditorium.

The holiday tradition was started by the City of Richmond’s Commission on Aging in 1999 to entertain and celebrate seniors. The event also raises funds for local senior causes. Attendees wear their finest attire and enjoy dinner and dancing.

“It’s so exciting to see all of the gala attendees all dressed up and seeing their lifetime friends and making new friends as well,” said Bryan M. Harris, secretary for the Commission on Aging. “They will reminisce about old Winter Ball memories and at the same time create new ones.”

Richmond’s very own Chef Josephine Orozco of El Sol Catering will serve at this year’s anniversary dinner. The gala will also feature the band Top Shelf Classics, which plays hits from the 50s through the 80s and has been the gala’s annual performer for the last decade.

The Senior Winter Ball symbolizes the Commission on Aging’s broader mission of providing enriching life experiences to the local senior community, particularly those in need of them.

“Besides the social activities, we focus on issues such as housing, transportation and health,” said Michelle Hayes, the commission’s chairperson. “We get things done for our senior population.”

Myrtle Braxton, 97, has served on the commission for 17 years and is its current vice president. She says her goal is to increase the quality of life for seniors through safe social events.

“So many seniors are isolated and are sometimes forgotten by society,” Braxton said. “So, our commission is their advocate and makes sure they are not left behind.”

Tickets to the 25th Silver Anniversary Annual Senior Winter Ball are $45 per person or $360 for a table of eight. They are available in person via the Main Recreation office at 3230 Macdonald Ave., via email at csdregistration@ci.richmond.ca.us or by phone at 510-620-6793.