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Trucker in Tracy Morgan crash was speeding, feds say

WATCH VIDEO: Federal officials said the Wal-Mart truck driver charged in the fatal crash that left comedian Tracy Morgan critically injured was speeding.

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The Wal-Mart trucker charged in the fatal crash that left Tracy Morgan critically injured was going 20 miles above the speed limit and had been driving for 9½ hours when the crash occurred, federal officials said Thursday.

Due to construction work, traffic had slowed on the New Jersey Turnpike the night of June 7 when the truck struck the rear of a 2012 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter limo van, according to a preliminary report by the National Transportation Safety Board.

A preliminary review of the data indicated that the truck was traveling at 65 mph for the 60 seconds preceding the crash, though the posted speed limit was 45 mph.

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The driver, Kevin Roper, 35, was charged with one count of death by auto and four counts of assault by auto in the wreck. He entered a not guilty plea last week.

The accident killed James McNair, 63, a comedian better known by his stage name, Jimmy Mack.

Morgan’s condition was upgraded to fair on Tuesday.

Follow @jpanzar for breaking news.

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