Darren Bailey's Son, Daughter-In-Law, 2 Grandchildren Die In Helicopter Crash

The son, daughter-in-law and two grandchildren of Illinois gubernatorial candidate Darren Bailey were killed in a helicopter crash, Bailey's campaign announced early Thursday.

"On Wednesday evening, Darren and his wife, Cindy, received the heartbreaking news no parent ever wants to hear," the campaign said in a statement. "Their son, Zachary, his wife, Kelsey, and their two young children, Vada Rose, age 12, and Samuel, age 7, tragically lost their lives in a helicopter accident in Montana."

The couple's other grandson, Finn, age 10, "was not on the helicopter and is safe," the statement from Bailey's campaign said. "Darren and Cindy are heartbroken by this unimaginable loss. They are finding comfort in their faith, their family, and the prayers of so many who love and care for them. The Baileys deeply appreciate the kindness and support they have received and ask for privacy as they grieve and hold their loved ones close during this difficult time."

Bailey, a downstate farmer and former state senator and state representative, is seeking the Republican nomination to challenge Gov. JB Pritzker for a second time in 2026 alongside running mate Aaron Del Mar. Bailey also ran against Pritzker in 2022, and unsuccessfully challenged fellow Republican Rep. Mike Bost in the 2024 Congressional primary.

Thursday morning, Pritzker tweeted that he and his wife, MK, "are devastated to learn of the tragic passing of Darren and Cindy Bailey’s son Zachary, daughter-in-law Kelsey, and their two young children Vada Rose and Samuel. Our prayers and deep condolences are with the Baileys in this time of grief. May the memories of their loved ones be a blessing."

Thursday morning, the National Transportation Safety Board said it was investigating the crash of a Robinson Helicopters R66 near Ekalaka, Montana.

According to NBC Montana, the Carter County Department of Emergency Services Office said emergency crews were dispatched to a crash at 7:22 p.m. Wednesday.

According to Del Mar, Zachary Bailey was piloting the helicopter when it crashed, the Associated Press reported. The family was reportedly in Montana on a business trip as Zachary Bailey worked to expand their family farm's use of helicopters.

The cause of the crash has not been determined, according to reports, and no one else was onboard the aircraft.