'Makes You Feel Invisible': Family Of State Trooper Killed On I-55 Frustrated As Court Case Drags On

WILL COUNTY — As the family of an Illinois State Trooper fatally struck on I-55 nearly two years ago tries to adjust to life without him, the case against the driver accused in his death lingers in the Will County court system.

Trooper Clay Carns, 35, died Dec. 23, 2024, after being struck while clearing debris from the southbound lanes of I-55. His squad car had been parked on the shoulder, with lights on, when he was struck by a Chevy Silverado driven by John Fleet, 70, of Wilmington. Carns—an Orland Park resident, husband, and father of two—died from his injuries an hour later.

Fleet has since been charged with a class 4 felony under Scott’s Law and a second offense of failure to reduce speed to avoid an accident. He faces a sentence ranging from probation to three years in prison for the violation of Scott’s Law, which states that drivers must move over or significantly slow down when approaching an emergency vehicle with flashing lights.

Last month, Fleet's attorney, Dan Walsh, filed a motion requesting that the truck Fleet drove the night he struck Carns be returned to him—a request that floored Carns' family.

"We’re kind of feeling jerked around," said Carns' sister, Erica Raciak. "Even with our experience with the court system. It’s very strange that all of this is being entertained."

The matter was continued, according to court records, posing yet another delay in closure for the family, Raciak said. Additionally, the Will County State's Attorney's Office in late January extended a plea deal to Fleet—which he has not yet indicated if he will accept.

Raciak called it "a very minimal plea agreement," saying, "that’s kind of insane that he would hesitate, even."

Raciak, who works in a profession with ties to legal proceedings, said she was shocked to hear Fleet's attorney had asked for the truck back.

"I have some familiarity with the court system," she said. "I understand it takes a while and things get dragged out. It’s not being taken seriously enough for the egregious violation that it is. In my experience, it’s uncommon for a defendant to ask for evidence back before the case is adjudicated.

"It's the murder weapon—it’s wild to me that we’re even entertaining this request. It seems like an affront to justice. It seems wildly unfair for somebody who quite literally gave his life to protect other people."

Carns' wife, Meghan, has also filed a wrongful death lawsuit against Fleet. Filed in August 2025, the suit accuses Fleet of several counts of negligence, including failure to exercise reasonable care in the ownership, operation, management, maintenance and control of his vehicle.

"As a direct and proximate result of one or more of the aforementioned acts and or omissions, plaintiff's descendant, Clay Carns, sustained injuries resulting in his death on Dec. 23, 2024," Meghan Carns' lawsuit declared. The lawsuit seeks a monetary judgment in excess of $50,000 against Fleet. The case was last in court on April 1, with a next status hearing set for June 3.

As the legal battles play out, Raciak and the rest of Carns' family navigate their grief, saying the court process "makes you feel invisible."

Led by his brother Chad in coordination with trooper-run non-profit Got Your 6 Foundation, efforts to memorialize Carns continue. Plans include a park to honor his life and service, to be built in their hometown of Pinckneyville, Illinois. The park is envisioned to include a sculpture of Carns posed in uniform. The monument would be a fitting tribute to Carns, who dedicated 11 years as an ISP officer assigned to Troop 3.

He was recognized as one of the 100 Club of Illinois 2024 Valor Award recipients. The award is presented annually to police officers, firefighters and paramedics who, by their actions, performed above and beyond the call of duty and in the highest traditions of their respective departments, according to the 100 Club of Illinois' website.

The sculpture itself is nearly finalized, Raciak said, with efforts to secure land upon which to erect it ongoing.

"To say Clay was one of the best humans I’ve ever known is an understatement," said Robert Pagliaro, founder of Got Your 6 Foundation. "He was such a good dude. We are definitely less without him. ... I am not the same cop as I was before."

Raciak is nearly rendered speechless at describing their family's loss.

"Just unimaginable to live without him," she said. "... We kind of counted on having him along for the ride. This is a wild life without him."

Fleet's next date is set for May 21 at 9:30 a.m., before Judge John O'Connor in room 403. While denoted in court records as a final plea/trial date set, there is no guarantee of either.

Raciak said the family is hopeful for an end to the proceedings.

"Clay would fight for this," Raciak said. "Clay would fight for justice for us. And we’re going to do it for him."