Four relatives of a Republican candidate for Illinois governor were killed in a helicopter crash in Montana, the campaign confirmed Thursday.
The victims were the son, daughter-in-law, and two grandchildren of former state lawmaker Darren Bailey, who previously ran for governor in 2022 and is seeking the Republican nomination again for the 2026 election.
According to Bailey’s campaign, his son Zachary, daughter-in-law Kelsey, and their children Vada Rose (12) and Samuel (7) died in the crash Wednesday in a remote area of eastern Montana. Their third child was not on the helicopter.
“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 campaign said in a statement.
Helicopter crash details
Zachary Bailey was piloting the helicopter when it went down, said Aaron Del Mar, Bailey’s running mate and family spokesperson. The family had traveled to Montana on a business trip to explore expanding helicopter use for their family farming operations in south-central Illinois.
Del Mar said Zachary first earned his helicopter license several years ago to deliver medical supplies and aid to people in developing countries. “That was a driving force for him to get his license,” he said.
No one else was aboard the aircraft. The cause of the crash remains under investigation.
The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) said Thursday it is investigating the crash site near Ekalaka, Montana. The Carter County Sheriff’s Office responded Wednesday evening to the scene in the hilly Chalk Butte area, known for its rugged terrain and sparse trees.
Political and personal response
Bailey, a resident of Xenia, Illinois, announced his 2026 gubernatorial campaign in September. He previously lost the 2022 election to Democratic Governor JB Pritzker.
Governor Pritzker and his wife extended condolences to the Bailey family.
“I cannot imagine losing a child, losing two grandchildren, and what they must be going through,” Pritzker said.
Illinois GOP Chair Kathy Salvi also expressed the party’s grief, saying,
“Please join us in keeping the Bailey family in our thoughts and prayers during this unimaginable time.”
Bailey’s background
A staunch conservative, Bailey gained prominence in 2020 for his vocal criticism of Governor Pritzker’s COVID-19 policies, including his refusal to wear a mask during legislative sessions.
During his previous gubernatorial campaign, Bailey focused on crime reduction, proposed eliminating the state’s gun licensing system, and once backed a resolution suggesting Chicago become a separate state.
In 2024, Bailey ran unsuccessfully against five-term Republican U.S. Rep. Mike Bost in the GOP primary for a southern Illinois congressional seat.
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