A fundraiser has been launched for the family of the Illinois State Police trooper fatally struck by a car while on the job on Monday. Clay M. Carns, 35, was described by loved ones as a “total team player” who considered being a father his top priority.

"Any time we lose a trooper hurts, but today is Christmas Eve here on December 24, so it kind of hurts in a particular way," ISP Dir. Brendan Kelly said.

An Illinois State Trooper was killed Monday night in Will County when he was struck by a car while removing debris from an expressway.

"Trooper Carns' joy was in his little family ... which requires drivers to slow down or move over when emergency vehicles are on the side of the road. The Illinois State Police say so far this year there have been 26 Scott’s Law-related crashes in ...

"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,” Illinois State Police Director Brendan Kelly said in a statement.

John Fleet of Wilmington faces charges following a fatal crash that left an officer dead on Interstate 55 near Channahon.

The family of Illinois State Trooper Clay Carns, who was struck and killed by a vehicle on Interstate 55 in Will County while removing debris from the roadway, said in a statement their “world has been shattered” and they “will never be the same” following his death.