Channahon, IL – An Illinois State Trooper was struck and killed while clearing debris from a crash on I-55 late Monday night.
Trooper Clay M. Carns, 35, was outside his patrol vehicle near Blodgett Road, working to remove debris from the southbound lanes, according to Illinois State Police. Around 9:42 p.m. Monday, a passing vehicle struck Carns as he worked to make the roadway safe. Emergency responders rushed him to St. Joseph Hospital in Joliet, where he was pronounced dead at 10:45 p.m.
ISP Director Brendan F. Kelly expressed sorrow over the loss, saying, “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.”
Carns, an 11-year veteran of the Illinois State Police, was assigned to Troop 3. He is survived by his wife, Meghan, his two children, Gray and Ally, and his parents, Patty and Danny Carns.
The incident remains under investigation, and additional details have not been released.
As Illinois families gather for the holiday, ISP mourns the loss of one of their own, who served with honor and dedication.
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