Illinois State Police Trooper Clay Matthew Carns Family Statement

Trooper Carns with his two children, Ally and Gray, and wife Meghan. Photo submitted by Illinois State Police

For Immediate Release – December 28, 2024

The following statement is from the Trooper Clay Carns Family.

The Family of Trooper Clay Carns mourn the loss of their treasured husband, father, son, brother, uncle, and friend. We could never begin to thank law enforcement nor the thousands from our community who have reached out to us to express their love and support.

To the public, Clay became a hero on December 23, 2024, when he was killed in the line of duty. To his family, he has always been a hero.

Our world has been shattered, and we will never be the same. But we take comfort in knowing that he lived his life with such purpose, he loved his family and friends fiercely, and he took great pride in his work.

“Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called the children of God.” -Matthew 5:9

Services will all be held at Parkview Christian Church, 11100 Orland Parkway in Orland Park, Illinois. Visitation to take place Thursday, January 2, 2025, from 1 to 8 p.m., with a first responder walk through at 6 p.m. Funeral service will be Friday, January 3, 2025 at 10 a.m. Private Interment to follow.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Trooper Clay Carns Memorial fund: