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A tragic road rage incident unfolded on Interstate 80 near New Lenox, Illinois, leaving a 30-year-old man dead and his family grappling with the loss of a loved one just before Thanksgiving. The incident occurred when Lanier Clayton, a resident of the area, was killed in what Illinois State Police (ISP) are investigating as a road rage altercation on November 26, 2024. The details surrounding the shooting have shocked the Clayton family and the local community, as the senseless act of violence unfolded just moments after an altercation on the highway.

A Life Taken in an Instant

Lanier Clayton, who was on his way home from work, was traveling west on I-80 when the road rage incident occurred. According to ISP, it appears that Clayton was run off the road near the 355 off-ramp by another driver. The situation quickly escalated, leading both drivers to exit their vehicles. Investigators believe that during this confrontation, Clayton was shot to death.

The family’s grief was compounded by the shocking realization that Clayton was not killed while sitting in his car but rather on the ground, suggesting that the altercation had taken a violent and unexpected turn. His sister, Mia Clayton, shared the heartbreaking news that her brother had tried to call her around 15 minutes before the police arrived at the scene. She didn’t pick up, but she texted him back shortly afterward. He did not respond, and now, Mia understands why: her brother had been fighting for his life at that moment.

Family Remembers Lanier as a Loving and Caring Person

Lanier’s mother, Lenora Clayton, reflected on the kind of person her son was. Describing him as someone who was always willing to help others, she expressed disbelief that someone so loving and caring could have his life taken in such a violent manner. She shared that Lanier was deeply involved in his family’s life and would often engage in activities with them, even though there was an 11-year age gap between him and his sister Mia.

Mia recalled a memory from just a few days before the shooting. She and Lanier had attended a comedy show together, and afterward, he texted her to say he loved her and was happy they had spent time together. Mia explained that despite their age difference, she and her brother shared a strong bond and frequently socialized together. “He loved his family,” Mia said, “he loved his family hard.” She also described Lanier as a funny, intelligent, and passionate person who loved to dance—a detail that further humanized the victim in a tragedy that otherwise felt senseless and detached.

Suspect in Custody

The shooter, whose identity has not yet been released, attempted to flee the scene following the fatal shooting. However, police were able to apprehend him shortly thereafter, and he is currently in custody. Lenora Clayton, while understandably angered by the death of her son, expressed a surprising level of forgiveness toward the man responsible. In an emotional statement, she said, “I just want to ask him why. Why did you do it?” She added that even if the man never answers her question, her final words to him would be, “I forgive you.”

Despite the anger and pain, Lenora’s words were a testament to the strength and grace with which she is attempting to cope with the unimaginable loss. In the face of overwhelming grief, she made it clear that the family would continue to move forward with Thanksgiving plans, dedicated to Lanier’s memory. “Thanksgiving dinner must go on,” she said, emphasizing that they would still gather to honor their son’s life, focusing on gratitude for the time they had with him and the impact he had on their lives.

A Family’s Heartbreak During the Holidays

The timing of the tragedy made the loss even more poignant for the Clayton family, as they had been looking forward to spending Thanksgiving together. As they prepare to face the holiday without Lanier, they are finding comfort in one another and the memories of a man who had so much life still ahead of him. While they cannot change the course of events, the Clayton family is determined to honor Lanier’s memory by continuing their traditions, a painful but necessary step in the grieving process.

As the investigation continues, Illinois State Police are working to piece together the details of what led to the fatal confrontation. Road rage incidents have long been a concern for law enforcement, but this case highlights the extreme and tragic potential consequences of a momentary lapse in judgment on the road. For the Clayton family, the loss of Lanier will be felt for the rest of their lives, but they are committed to holding on to the love and connection they shared with him.

For now, the Clayton family’s focus remains on Thanksgiving, where they plan to dedicate the holiday to their son and brother, reflecting on the love he gave and the pain of losing him far too soon.