Services Set For Trooper Killed On Duty: 'He Has Always Been A Hero'

ORLAND PARK, IL — Services have been set for Illinois State Police Trooper and Orland Park man Clay Carns, whose family on Saturday shared "has always been a hero."

"The family of Trooper Clay Carns mourn the loss of their treasured husband, father, son, brother, uncle, and friend," the family said in a public statement. "We could never begin to thank law enforcement nor the thousands from our community who have reached out to us to express their love and support.

"To the public, Clay became a hero on December 23, 2024, when he was killed in the line of duty. To his family, he has always been a hero."

Carns, 35, died two days before Christmas after being struck by a vehicle while clearing debris from a roadway near Channahon. Carns was a beloved husband to Meghan, and doting father to a son, 3, and daughter, 2.

"Our world has been shattered, and we will never be the same," the family said. "But we take comfort in knowing that he lived his life with such purpose, he loved his family and friends fiercely, and he took great pride in his work."

Carns was hit by a truck driven by John Fleet, 69, of Wilmington. Fleet has been charged with a violation of Scott’s Law, or the "move over" law, a class 4 felony.

Services will all be held at Parkview Christian Church, 11100 Orland Parkway in Orland Park. Visitation will take place Thursday, Jan. 2, from 1 to 8 p.m., with a first responder walk through at 6 p.m. Funeral service will be Friday, Jan. 3, at 10 a.m. Private interment to follow.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Trooper Clay Carns Memorial fund. A QR code for the fund may be found on the Illinois State Police website.

Carns' complete obituary may be found online.

A GoFundMe established by a fellow trooper through the Got Your 6 Foundation was established on Thursday. It has raised $195,000 to date. The campaign seeks to raise $250,000 in support of Carns' children.

"While we will NEVER be able to replace the man Clay is," organizer Robert Pagliaro wrote, "we can help ensure that his children's future is secure."