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.

Trooper Clay M. Carns was removing debris from a southbound lane of I-55 near Blodgett Road in Will County when he was struck by a vehicle, Illinois state police said. The driver has been charged.

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

"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.

Trooper Clay Carns served 11 years with ISP and was a husband and a father to two young kids. Jermont Terry reports.

The driver of the other vehicle faces a Class 4 felony charge on a Scott's Law violation. Here's what authorities said happened.

Trooper Clay Carns was killed late Monday night on I-55 just north of Blodgett Road near Channahon. Noel Brennan reports.

Swiss Olympic snowboarder Sophie Hediger was tragically killed in an avalanche on Monday, according to the Swiss-Ski federation. Hediger, 26, got caught in an avalanche at the mountain resort of Arosa in eastern Switzerland,