More Than a Year After a Near Fatal Accident, Tracy Morgan Receives Key to the City

 COLUMBIA, S.C. (WOLO) — Comedian Tracy Morgan was presented the key to the City of Columbia after his performance at the Comedy House Thursday night.

The Emmy nominated television and film star, known for his quick wit, was speechless as Columbia City Councilman Sam Davis presented him with the key to the city.

Morgan’s recent return to the stage was hard-won after fighting for his life following a 2014 fatal accident that left him comatose, and claimed the life of his friend and fellow comedian “Jimmy Mack.”

The trip to the state’s capital was significant for Morgan who said his grandfather is a native South Carolinian.

His grandfather died two months before the accident, but even in death Morgan said his grandfather played a pivotal role in his recovery.

“My grandfather is my strongest guardian angel,” Morgan said. “He’s the one that brought me back; he said ‘grandson, your room isn’t ready for you yet (in heaven).”

“We wanted to make a statement because you felt that it was necessary to come to Columbia to begin your tour,” Davis said.

Davis presented the key to Morgan on behalf of Columbia Mayor Steve Benjamin.
The accident on the New Jersey Turnpike involving a Walmart truck severely injured the former 30-Rock star and four others.

Morgan had to undergo intensive physical therapy on his road to what some have said is a miraculous recovery.

After spending months in a wheelchair a tearful Morgan rose to his feet saying, “This is for South Carolina and my granddad, thank you.”