State trooper struck and killed while picking up debris along interstate ahead of Christmas

JOLIET, Ill. (Gray News) - Police and a community in Illinois are mourning the loss of a state trooper and father of two who died the day before Christmas Eve.

Illinois State Police (ISP) announced the death of 35-year-old Trooper Clay M. Carns.

Carns served 11 years as an officer with ISP and was assigned to Troop 3.

Officials say around 9:42 p.m. on Monday, December 23, 2024, Trooper Carns was outside of his squad car removing debris from a lane on southbound I-55 north of Blodgett Road near Channahon when he was struck by a passing vehicle.

Carns was taken to St. Joseph Hospital in Joliet, where at approximately 10:45 p.m., he succumbed to his injuries.

“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 F. Kelly said in a statement. “Please keep Trooper Carns, his family, loved ones, and his ISP family in your thoughts, prayers, and hearts during this most difficult time.”

Carns is survived by his wife Meghan, two children, and his parents Patty and Danny Carns.

The crash is still under investigation.