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Illinois State Trooper Clay Carns, Father of Two, Struck and Killed on I-55; Driver Charged Under Scott’s Law
Channahon, IL - In a tragic incident that has left the community and law enforcement reeling, Illinois State Trooper Clay M. Carns, aged 35, was struck and killed while clearing debris from Interstate 55 near Channahon.
Channahon, IL – In a tragic incident that has left the community and law enforcement reeling, Illinois State Trooper Clay M. Carns, aged 35, was struck and killed while clearing debris from Interstate 55 near Channahon. The accident occurred late on December 23, casting a shadow over the holiday season.
Trooper Carns, an 11-year veteran of the Illinois State Police, was removing debris from the southbound lanes of I-55 when he was hit by a passing Chevrolet Silverado. Despite immediate medical attention, he was pronounced dead at St. Joseph Hospital in Joliet shortly after the incident.
The driver responsible for the crash, identified as 69-year-old John Fleet from Wilmington, Illinois, has been arrested and faces charges under Scott’s Law, a Class 4 felony. This law mandates that drivers move over or slow down when passing emergency vehicles with their lights activated. Fleet was also issued multiple vehicle code citations but has since been released as these charges do not allow for detention.
Trooper Carns leaves behind his wife Meghan and two children, Gray and Ally, along with his parents, Patti and Danny Carns. The loss of Trooper Carns has been deeply felt by the Illinois State Police, with Director Brendan Kelly stating, “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.”
The incident has reignited discussions about the dangers law enforcement officers face while performing their duties on the roadside and the importance of Scott’s Law compliance. Illinois State Police have reported over two dozen crashes related to Move Over Law violations this year, with Carns being the first trooper killed in such an incident in 2024.
The community and fellow officers are mourning the loss, with many posts on X expressing condolences and highlighting the need for stricter adherence to laws meant to protect emergency personnel. The investigation continues, with authorities urging drivers to remain vigilant and respectful of emergency scenes on the roadways.
