State trooper fatally struck while removing debris on I-55 near Channahon

An Illinois state trooper was fatally struck by a vehicle Monday night while removing debris on Interstate 55 near Channahon.

Just after 9:40 p.m., 35-year-old state trooper Clay M. Carns was removing debris from a southbound lane of I-55 near Blodgett Road when he was struck by a passing vehicle, Illinois state police said.

Carns was taken to St. Joseph Hospital in Joliet, where he died about an hour later, state police said.

“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,” state police director Brendan Kelly said. “Please keep Trooper Carns, his family, loved ones, and his ISP family in your thoughts, prayers, and hearts during this most difficult time.”

The driver in the crash has been charged by the Will County State's Attorney. The crash occurred on what is known as Scott's Law or "Move Over" Law day in Illinois.

Carns served as a state police officer for 11 years and is survived by his wife, parents and two children.

"Anytime we lose a trooper, it hurts," Kelly told reporters outside the Will County coroner's office early Tuesday. "But today's Christmas Eve. ... so this kinda hurts in a very particular way."