North Cook News

State Representative Jennifer Sanalitro commented on the death of Illinois State Police (ISP) Trooper Clay Carns in a Facebook post dated December 24.

"A terribly sad story ahead of the most important holiday of the year," said Sanalitro, according to Facebook. "Trooper Clay Carns leaves behind his wife and two young children. RIP Trooper Carns."

According to her post, Sanalitro shared a link to a CBS News article detailing the circumstances surrounding Trooper Carns' death on December 23. The report noted that Trooper Carns, aged 35, had pulled onto the righthand shoulder of southbound Interstate 55, north of Blodgett Road. Around 9:45 p.m., he activated the emergency lights of his patrol vehicle and exited to remove debris from the roadway. During this attempt, he was struck by a Chevrolet Silverado. Carns was subsequently transported to Ascension St. Joseph Hospital in Joliet, where he succumbed to his injuries.

Screenshot of State Representative Jennifer Sanalitro's Dec. 24 Facebook post | State Representative Jennifer Sanalitro's Facebook page

On the morning following the incident, a bouquet was placed at the site where Trooper Carns was struck as a tribute to him. He was an 11-year veteran with ISP and is survived by his wife and two children.

NBC 5 reported that this collision occurred exactly 14 years after a similar incident claimed the life of Chicago Fire Lt. Scott Gillen. This earlier tragedy led to the establishment of Scott’s Law, which mandates drivers to move over when approaching an emergency vehicle or any vehicle displaying emergency or hazard lights.

In a separate Facebook post on December 24, Illinois State Police announced Trooper Carns’ death through ISP Director Brendan Kelly's statement. "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 Kelly. He urged people to keep Trooper Carns and his family in their thoughts during this difficult time.

Sanalitro has lived in Illinois for most of her adult life and before joining the Illinois General Assembly, she worked as a District Sales Training Manager for a packaging company. She currently holds an executive sales position and has experience working with both large and small businesses. Additionally, she volunteers at local school districts reading at elementary schools and supports Brittany’s Trees benefiting the SADS Foundation focused on children with hereditary heart rhythm disorders.