WILL COUNTY, Ill. (WLS) — The funeral arrangements have been made public following the tragic death of an Illinois State Police trooper in the southwest suburbs on Monday evening.
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The crash happened around 9:42 p.m. on the southbound lanes of I-55 near Blodgett Road in the Channahon area.
Illinois State Trooper Clay Carns, 35, was removing debris from the highway when he was struck by a Chevrolet Silverado pickup truck, ISP said.
Trooper Carns was rushed to a hospital in Joliet where he died from his injuries.
Carns served 11 years with Illinois State Police. He is survived by his wife, two children, siblings and his parents.
Carns’ family released a statement Saturday:
“The loved ones of Trooper Clay Carns are grieving the passing of their cherished spouse, father, son, brother, uncle, and friend. We are immensely grateful to law enforcement and the countless members of our community who have shown us their care and support during this difficult time. While to the public, Clay became a hero on December 23, 2024, when he tragically lost his life in the line of duty. To his family, he has always been a hero. Our world has been shattered, and we will never be the same. However, we find solace in knowing that he led a life filled with purpose, loved his family and friends deeply, and took immense pride in his job. ‘Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called the children of God.’ -Matthew 5:9.”
The funeral services will be conducted at Parkview Christian Church, situated at 11100 Orland Parkway in Orland Park, as per a press release from the Illinois State Police. Visitation will be held on Thursday, Jan. 2 from 1 p.m. to 8 p.m., with a special first responder walk through scheduled for 6 p.m. The funeral ceremony is set for Friday, Jan. 2, at 10 a.m.
The driver of the Chevrolet involved in the crash was identified as John Fleet of Wilmington. He remained at the scene, state police said, and now faces a Scott’s Law charge and multiple Illinois Vehicle Code citations by the Will County State’s Attorney’s Office.
The charges against Fleet are not detainable offenses, and so he has since been released, ISP said.
The deadly crash happened as the state observed Scott’s Law Day. It’s also known as the “Move Over” Law, and it requires drivers to slow down or move over for construction or emergency vehicles.
Scott’s Law was created when Chicago Fire Lt. Scott Gillen was killed on the Dan Ryan 24 years ago. He was hit and killed by a drunk driver as he helped people who had been in a crash.
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On January 1, Scott’s Law will be slightly changed. It will require people to both slow down and move over, if traffic allows, for emergency or construction vehicles that are stopped on the side of a road. The law currently gives drivers an option of either slowing down or moving over.
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