CHANNAHON, Illinois — A 35-year-old Illinois State Police officer tragically lost his life after being hit by a vehicle while responding to a roadside incident on Interstate 55, according to information released by authorities. This incident adds to a concerning trend, as it marks one of over two dozen accidents involving state police this year.

Trooper Clay Carns was patrolling on I-55, approximately 50 miles from Chicago, when he noticed debris on the road at around 9:45 p.m. on Monday evening. He parked his vehicle on the shoulder, activated his emergency lights, and exited his car. Unfortunately, while he was attending to the situation, he was struck by a Chevrolet Silverado, as reported by state police officials.

Carns was promptly transported to a nearby hospital, where he was later pronounced dead late on Monday night. He had dedicated 11 years of his service to the Illinois State Police.

“This is a somber day for the Illinois State Police as we grieve the loss of Trooper Clay M. Carns, who was killed in the line of duty while striving to ensure the safety of our highways,” stated ISP Director Brendan Kelly in a released comment.

In connection with the incident, authorities revealed that a 69-year-old man will face legal repercussions for violating the state’s “Move Over Law.” This law mandates that drivers approaching stationary vehicles on the roadside must slow down and, when feasible, change lanes to give them more space. This regulation was designed to honor Chicago Fire Lt. Scott Gillen, who tragically lost his life in a similar incident while providing assistance at a crash scene in 2000.

State police highlighted that this fatal incident is the 26th for 2024 involving violations of the “Move Over Law.” These accidents have resulted in injuries for 12 additional state troopers, underscoring the ongoing dangers faced by law enforcement officers as they work to keep roadways safe.