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Tracy Morgan Speaks Publicly About Crash That Injured Him, Killed Friend

NEW YORK (CBSNewYork/AP) -- An emotional Tracy Morgan spoke publicly Monday about the crash on the New Jersey Turnpike that nearly took his life last year.

On June 7, 2014 – a year ago this coming Saturday – a Walmart truck slammed into the back of a limo van carrying Morgan and the others back from a show in Delaware.

Comedian James "Jimmy Mack" McNair was killed. Morgan suffered head trauma, a broken leg and broken ribs.

Appearing on the "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.

"He was a good man and it hurts me to see that he's gone," Morgan said. "Bones heal, but the loss of my friend will never heal because we've known each other for a long time."

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.''

Last week, Morgan reached an undisclosed settlement with Walmart over the crash.

(TM and © Copyright 2015 CBS Radio Inc. and its relevant subsidiaries. CBS RADIO and EYE Logo TM and Copyright 2015 CBS Broadcasting Inc. Used under license. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. The Associated Press contributed to this report.)

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