Chicago Traffic: Illinois State Trooper Clay Carns Killed on I-55 Stevenson Expressway; Driver charged in fatal accident: police

WILL COUNTY, Ill. (WLS) – An Illinois State Police trooper was struck and killed in the southwest suburbs on Monday.

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The accident occurred in the southbound lanes of I-55 near Blodgett Road in the Channahon area around 9:42 p.m.

Illinois State Trooper Clay Carns, 35, was clearing debris from the highway when he was struck by a Chevrolet Silverado truck, ISP said.

Trooper Carns was transported to a hospital in Joliet where he succumbed to his injuries.

According to ISP, the driver of the Chevrolet was identified as John Fleet of Wilmington.

Flee remained at the scene. The driver now faces a Scott’s Law charge and multiple Illinois Vehicle Code citations from the Will County District Attorney’s Office.

According to the ISP, the fleet has now been released.

Carns served with the Illinois State Police for 11 years.

He leaves behind his wife, two children, siblings and his parents.

The fatal accident occurred as the state celebrated Scott’s Law Day. Also known as the “Move Over” law, it requires drivers to slow down or pass construction or emergency vehicles.

Scott’s Law was created when Chicago Fire Lt. Scott Gillen 24 years ago on which Dan Ryan was killed. He was hit and killed by a drunk driver while helping people who were in an accident.

On January 1st, Scott’s Law changes slightly.

People will be required to both slow down and, where traffic permits, pass emergency or construction vehicles stopped on the side of the road.

The law currently gives drivers the option to either slow down or change.

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