A fundraiser has been launched for the Illinois state trooper who was struck fatally 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 number one 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.

"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.