Tracy Morgan made a public appearance on Monday and spoke for the first time to the media since he was released to the hospital, giving a message to his fans and everyone who has made an effort to support him.

“I’m OK. I feel strong. I love you very much. Thank you. I appreciate everything,” he said.

Morgan was involved in a devastating accident in New Jersey last month when the driver of a Walmart truck reportedly fell asleep at the wheel and overcorrected, ramming into the limo Morgan was a passenger in. Several people were injured, and another comedian, James McNair, was killed.

“Driver failed to observe slow-moving traffic ahead. He observed at the last minute — just prior to impact — the limo bus carrying Morgan and his party,” New Jersey State Police Sgt. First Class Gregory Williams said.

Morgan himself sustained multiple injuries, including a broken nose, a broken leg, and several broken ribs.

Morgan is now suing Walmart due to an investigation that showed the driver of their truck, Kevin Roper, had been awake for 24 consecutive hours before the crash. According to the lawsuit, the company was “careless and negligent in the ownership and operation of its motor vehicle, which caused Mr. Morgan to suffer severe personal injuries.”

Walmart has said they will cooperate fully with any investigation.

Image via Wikimedia Commons