State Police trooper dies after being hit by vehicle on I-55 in Will County

(25News Now) - Illinois State Police are investigating a crash involving one of their own on Interstate 55 in Will County, southwest of Chicago.

A trooper removing debris from the roadway was struck by a vehicle about 9:40 p.m. Monday on southbound I-55 near West Blodgett Road, near Channahon, according to a preliminary report.

State Police are not releasing information about the trooper’s condition or other details about the crash.

Update as of 4:03 a.m.:

Early this morning Illinois State Police Director Brendan Kelly announced that the trooper died from his injuries.

At about 10:46 p.m. Trooper Clay M. Carns died at St. Joseph Hospital in Joliet.

“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. ​ He is survived by his wife Meghan, children Gray and Ally, and parents Patty and Danny Carns.

Update as of 9:19 a.m.:

Illinois State Police have arrested 69-year-old John Fleet of Wilmington, IL for Scott’s Law (Class 4 Felony) after a fatal crash last night involving Trooper Clay M. Carns.

This story will be updated.

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