Peoria Standard

State Representative Ryan Spain expressed condolences for Trooper Clay M. Carns' family and urged constituents to comply with the Move Over Law. He made these statements in a December 24 Facebook post.

"The prayers of all Illinoisans are with Trooper Carns' family, friends, and fellow Illinois State Police troopers," said Ryan Michael Spain, according to Facebook. "Please SLOW DOWN and MOVE OVER. Already in 2024, ISP has suffered 26 Move Over Law-related crashes with twelve troopers injured and one death. In 2023, ISP had 21 Move Over Law-related crashes with seven troopers injured and suffered 25 crashes in 2022 leaving 13 troopers injured. The Move Over Law, also known as “Scott's Law” in Illinois, requires all drivers to move over when approaching an emergency vehicle or any vehicle with its emergency or hazard lights activated."

According to a December 24 Facebook post by the Illinois State Police (ISP), Trooper Carns' death was announced in a statement from ISP Director Brendan Kelly. "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. Please keep Trooper Carns, his family, loved ones, and his ISP family in your thoughts, prayers, and hearts during this most difficult time," said Kelly.

Screenshot of State Rep. Ryan Spain's Dec. 24 Facebook post | State Representative Ryan Spain's Facebook page

A CBS News article detailed the circumstances surrounding Trooper Carns' death on December 23. The report noted that Trooper Carns, aged 35, had pulled onto the right-hand 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 when he was struck by a Chevrolet Silverado. He was transported to Ascension St. Joseph Hospital in Joliet, where he succumbed to his injuries. On December 24 morning, a bouquet was placed at the site where Trooper Carns was struck to honor him. According to CBS News, he was an 11-year veteran with ISP and was married with two children.

NBC 5 reported that this collision occurred exactly 14 years after a similar incident resulted in the death of Chicago Fire Lt. Scott Gillen. This led to the creation of Scott's Law, which requires all drivers to move over when approaching an emergency vehicle or any vehicle with emergency or hazard lights on.

Spain has been serving as a representative for the 73rd House District since 2017. A lifelong resident of Peoria, he holds degrees in political science and speech communication from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign and an MBA from Bradley University. His service record includes tenure on the Peoria City Council from 2007 until fall 2016.