An Illinois state trooper was fatally struck by a vehicle Monday night while removing debris on Interstate 55 near Channahon.
Just after 9:40 p.m., Clay M. Carns, 35, was removing debris from a southbound lane of I-55 near Blodgett Road when he was struck by a passing vehicle, Illinois State Police said.
Carns was taken to St. Joseph Hospital in Joliet, where he died about an hour later, ISP said.
“This is a sad day for the Illinois State Police as we mourn the death of Trooper Clay M. Carns, who was killed while serving the people of Illinois and working to keep our roadways safe,” ISP director Brendan Kelly said. “Please keep Trooper Carns, his family, loved ones, and his ISP family in your thoughts, prayers, and hearts during this most difficult time.”
Illinois State Police director Brendan Kelly speaks to reporters Tuesday following the death of Trooper Clay Carns. “Please keep Trooper Carns, his family, loved ones, and his ISP family in your thoughts, prayers, and hearts during this most difficult time,” Kelly said.
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John Fleet, 69, was charged with a Scott’s Law violation by the Will County state’s attorney, authorities said. State police also issued multiple Illinois Vehicle Code citations to Fleet.
Fleet was released from custody because the offenses weren’t detainable, officials said.
A person who violates the Move Over Law faces a fine of no less than $250 and no more than $10,000 for a first offense, state police said. If the violation results in injury to another person, the offender’s driver’s license will be suspended for between six months and two years.
Carns served as a state police officer for 11 years and is survived by his wife, parents and two children.
The crash occurred on what is known as Scott’s Law or “Move Over” Law day in Illinois.
Scott’s Law Day was established in memory of Chicago Fire Department Lt. Scott Gillen who was struck and killed while responding to an early morning traffic accident on the Bishop Ford Freeway on Dec. 23, 2000.
Scott’s Law, which was enacted in 2002, requires drivers to change lanes when approaching stopped emergency vehicles, including highway maintenance vehicles displaying flashing lights, and any stationary vehicle with their hazard lights activated. If changing lanes isn’t possible, vehicles are required to slow down and proceed with caution.
In 2024, 12 troopers were injured, one fatally, in 26 Scott’s Law crashes. Last year, seven troopers were injured in 21 crashes, and in 2022 13 troopers were injured in 25 crashes, according to state police.
“Anytime we lose a trooper, it hurts,” Kelly told reporters outside the Will County coroner’s office early Tuesday. “But today is Christmas Eve … so this kinda hurts in a very particular way.”