Truck Driver Who Slammed Into Tracy Mogan's Van Pleads Guilty

NEW BRUNSWICK, N.J. (AP) -- The truck driver who slammed into the back of a van carrying actor-comedian Tracy Morgan and several other people, killing one of them, has pleaded guilty and could avoid jail.

Kevin Roper entered the plea Tuesday in New Brunswick to charges of vehicular homicide and four counts of aggravated assault.

Roper was driving a Wal-Mart truck in June 2014 when he crashed into Morgan's van on the New Jersey Turnpike.

Comedian James McNair died, and Morgan and three other passengers were injured. Morgan suffered a broken leg, broken ribs and head injuries.

The 37-year-old Roper, of Jonesboro, Georgia, faced counts including aggravated manslaughter, vehicular homicide and aggravated assault.

Under terms of his plea, he can avoid prison if he performs community service and satisfies other conditions over the next three years.