ILLINOIS STATE POLICE TROOPER CLAY MATTHEW CARNS FAMILY STATEMENT

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

December 28, 2024

The following statement is from the Trooper Clay Carns Family.

Trooper Carns with his two children, Ally and Gray, and wife Meghan.
Trooper Carns with his two children, Ally and Gray, and wife Meghan.

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:

Trooper Carns is in care of Sheehy Funeral Home, 9000 151st Street, Orland Park, IL 60462. Obituary posted at www/sheehyfh.com.

Inquiries about the services can be directed to the Illinois State Police at ISP.PIO.personnel@illinois.gov. ​ The visitation and funeral are NOT open to the media. ​ We ask that you respect the family’s wishes during this difficult time. ​ There will be media areas set up outside each location and we will provide specific location information as soon as possible. ​

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Illinois State Police

Public Information Office, Office of the Director

 

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The Illinois State Police strives for excellence in all it does, seeking to be one of the premier policing agencies in the country.  ISP relentlessly protects public safety and pursues justice for the people of Illinois through Integrity, Service, and Pride. 

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