Illinois State Police, Illinois • Line of Duty Death: December 23, 2024

On December 23, 2024, Illinois State Trooper Clay Carns was struck and killed by a passing vehicle while removing debris on the highway. He was transported to the hospital where he died from his injuries an hour later. He had served his department for 11 years and was 35 years old at the time of his premature passing. 

Carns was raised in a small town in Southern Illinois with his parents, his brother, and two sisters. He was home schooled until middle school and spent his free time playing in the woods, building forts, climbing trees and riding four wheelers. 

Carns had a deep desire to serve and help others. He entered the Illinois State Police Academy on November 10, 2013 as part of the Cadet Class 123. He graduated on May 2, 2014 and was assigned to Troop 3. He was a passionate public servant who was dedicated to his city, community and state. In 2022, Trooper Carns received the Violent Crime Expressway Ribbon for his work in helping combat gun violence and interstate shootings. In 2023, He used his squad car to stop a wrong-way driver on the interstate who was under the influence. He also protected a woman after her car broke down and stayed with her until help arrived. He was a leader who trained other troopers in rapid deployment, safety and rescue. He received the departmental Medal of Honor commendation, a unit Meritorious Performance Award, seven honorable mentions and more. He was a man of integrity and a genuine good person. A bronze statue of Trooper Carns will soon be erected in his honor at the Clay Carns Memorial Park in Pinckneyville, his hometown.

Carns met his wife, Meghan, in 2017 on a blind date set up by a mutual friend. There was an instant attraction and chemistry between them. They married and went on to have two children, Gray and Ally. He was the best dad and a loyal husband who lived by his faith. 

Illinois State Trooper Clay Carns is survived by his loving wife, Meghan, his son, Gray, his daughter, Ally, his parents, Danny and Patti, and his siblings, Chad, Erica, and Elyssa, along with many other cherished family members.

The Tunnel to Towers Foundation has provided the Carns family with a mortgage-free home through the Fallen First Responder Home Program.