JOLIET, Ill. (WAND) - A Wilmington man has been arrested and charged in connection with a crash that killed an Illinois State Police trooper and father of two, just two days before Christmas.
Illinois State Police Director Brendan Kelly announced the death of Trooper Clay Carns.
Shortly before 10 p.m. Monday, Trooper Carns was outside of his squad car removing debris from a lane on southbound Interstate 55 north of Blodgett Road near Channahon when he was hit by a passing vehicle.
Trooper Carns was taken to St. Joseph Hospital in Joliet where he died.
Illinois State Police Division of Criminal Investigation Zone 1 arrested 69-year-old John Fleet of Wilmington, IL for Scott’s Law (Class 4 Felony) after the crash. Fleet stayed on scene after the crash.
“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,” said ISP Director Kelly. “Please keep Trooper Carns, his family, loved ones, and his ISP family in your thoughts, prayers, and hearts during this most difficult time.”
Trooper Carns was 35 years old and served 11 years as an officer with ISP. He was assigned to Troop 3.
ISP Trooper with his children, Ally and Gray, and his wife, Meghan
He is survived by his wife Meghan, children Gray and Ally, and parents Patty and Danny Carns.
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