Grundy Reporter

State Senator Sue Rezin expressed her sorrow following the death of Illinois State Police (ISP) Trooper Clay M. Carns. She conveyed her sentiments in a Facebook post dated December 24.

"I am saddened to learn of the tragic loss of Trooper Clay M. Carns, who was struck and killed while trying to keep our roads safe," said Rezin, according to Facebook. "Please keep his family, loved ones, and the Illinois State Police in your thoughts during this difficult time. This tragedy underscores the importance of moving over and slowing down when you see emergency personnel on the road. It's not just the law, it's a way to protect the lives of those who protect ours."

In her post, Rezin shared an announcement from ISP Director Brendan F. Kelly regarding Trooper Carns' passing. According to the Illinois State Police, at approximately 9:42 p.m., Trooper Carns was removing debris from a lane on southbound I-55 north of Blodgett Road near Channahon when he was struck by a vehicle. He was transported to St. Joseph Hospital, where he succumbed to his injuries at 10:45 p.m.

Screenshot of State Senator Sue Rezin's Dec. 24 Facebook post | State senator Sue Rezin's Facebook page.

"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 in the Facebook post. "Please keep Trooper Carns, his family, loved ones, and his ISP family in your thoughts, prayers, and hearts during this most difficult time."

A report from the State Journal-Register indicates that a passing pickup truck struck Trooper Carnes north of Blodgett Road near Channahon. He had identified debris on the interstate and pulled onto the right shoulder with his emergency lights activated when he was hit by a vehicle driven by John Fleet, 69, of Wilmington. Fleet has been arrested and faces a Class 4 felony charge.

NBC 5 reports that this incident occurred exactly 14 years after Chicago Fire Lt. Scott Gillen died in a similar accident, which led to the creation of Scott's Law—a regulation requiring drivers to move over when approaching an emergency vehicle or any vehicle with emergency or hazard lights on.

Rezin has served in the State Senate since December 2010 representing the 38th Senate District and was appointed Deputy Minority Leader of the Senate Republican Caucus in 2021. In collaboration with local employers, she helped establish an Operations Engineering and Technician technical program at Joliet Junior College in 2015. Her official biography notes that she holds degrees in International Business and Political Science from Augustana College and co-manages her family's real estate business.