A fundraiser has been launched for the Illinois state trooper who was struck fatally by a car while on the job on Monday. Clay M. Carns, 35, was described by loved ones as a “total team player” who considered being a father his number one priority.
The GoFundMe fundraiser was started by Trooper Robert Pagliaro, as part of his Got Your 6 Foundation, which supports the families of fallen Illinois State Troopers. Over $95,000 was raised as of 10 a.m. Friday morning.
“Clay was a special human being,” said Pagliaro. “And I know a lot of people say that about a lot of people when this happens, but this is the truth. I wouldn't say it about myself. I probably wouldn't say it about some of the other guys on his team.”
Pagliaro knew Carns from his start as a state police officer 11 years ago.
“When he became a dad, that was the best thing that ever happened to him,” he said. “That family was always first, and his little boy… was his best friend. Clay’s life began when he was born.”
While removing debris on Interstate 55 near Channahon on Monday, Carns was struck by a passing vehicle just after 9:40 p.m., Illinois State Police said.
He was taken to St. Joseph Hospital in Joliet, where he died about an hour later, ISP said. He’s survived by his wife, parents and two children, ages two and three.
"Clay has more integrity than anyone I know. Even as a child, he always did the right thing. We had such a tight knit family, and he was no exception,” said sister Erica Raciak. “He was warm and loving and thoughtful.”
Raciak said family was her brother's "heart."
He fell head over heels in love with his wife, Meghan, as soon as he met her, and was overjoyed at the births of his children, she added.
"When his son arrived, he was so proud," Raciak remembered. "While he held his son in his lap and stared at his newborn face and he told me, 'I see what all the fuss was about.'"
And he was the best dad. "He was always building things or making up silly games or dancing with his kids," she said.
“You knew if Clay was with you, you’d be taken care of,” said Pagliaro. “He was very focused on his job but he was very focused on his family, and they were separate.”
John Fleet, 69, was charged with a Scott’s Law violation by the Will County state’s attorney. State police also issued multiple Illinois Vehicle Code citations to Fleet, but Fleet was released from custody because “the offenses weren’t detainable,” officials said.
Scott’s Law, enacted in 2002, requires drivers to change lanes when approaching stopped emergency vehicles, including highway maintenance vehicles displaying flashing lights and any stationary vehicle with their hazard lights activated. If changing lanes isn’t possible, vehicles must slow down and proceed with caution.
Scott’s Law Day was established in memory of Chicago Fire Department Lt. Scott Gillen, who was struck and killed while responding to an early morning traffic accident on the Bishop Ford Freeway on Dec. 23, 2000.
“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,” ISP director Brendan Kelly said. “Please keep Trooper Carns, his family, loved ones, and his ISP family in your thoughts, prayers, and hearts during this most difficult time.”
Contributing: Mohammad Samra
