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Comedian Tracy Morgan experienced a medical emergency during Monday night's New York Knicks game, halting play and prompting immediate attention from medical personnel at Madison Square Garden. The incident occurred during the third quarter of the Knicks' eventual 116-95 victory over the Miami Heat on March 17, 2025.
Multiple eyewitnesses reported that Morgan, 56, appeared to become suddenly ill while seated courtside. Social media accounts from attendees described the comedian vomiting onto the floor, while others noted he suffered a nosebleed. Video footage later circulated showing Morgan being escorted from the arena in a wheelchair while holding a towel to his face.
"We hope Tracy Morgan feels better soon and look forward to seeing him back courtside," a Madison Square Garden representative told PEOPLE following the incident. The game was delayed approximately ten minutes while staff addressed the situation.
He has navigated significant health challenges throughout his life. He was diagnosed with diabetes and underwent a kidney transplant in 2010. His medical history includes surviving a catastrophic 2014 highway accident that placed him in a coma for two weeks.
That near-fatal crash occurred when a Walmart truck struck Morgan's limousine from behind on the New Jersey Turnpike. The collision killed his friend and mentor James McNair and left Morgan with severe injuries including a broken leg. His recovery process spanned months, requiring him to relearn walking and speaking.
"When anything ever bad happened to me I made it funny and I turned it good," Morgan told PEOPLE in 2017, demonstrating his resilience while promoting his Netflix special "Staying Alive."
Just weeks before this latest health scare, Morgan participated in Saturday Night Live's 50th anniversary celebration. During the event, he expressed gratitude for his continued recovery, telling comedian Matt Rogers, "Just thank the Lord that I'm a part of this, that I survived the accident and I'm alive to be here for this."
His representatives did not immediately respond to requests for comment regarding Monday's incident. The exact nature and severity of his condition remain unclear as of press time.
The comedian has been a fixture at Knicks games, known for his passionate support of the team. He was previously spotted courtside during the 2024 NBA Playoffs when the Knicks faced the Indiana Pacers.
This incident marks another chapter in Morgan's complicated health journey. In a 2024 interview reflecting on the tenth anniversary of his accident, Morgan expressed forgiveness toward those involved: "To the driver that night and his family, me and my comrades forgive you."
Healthcare professionals note that individuals with prior medical conditions like diabetes and transplant history often require vigilant monitoring, as they may experience sudden episodes requiring immediate attention.