Family of Illinois gubernatorial hopeful Darren Bailey killed in helicopter crash
Several members of Illinois gubernatorial candidate Darren Bailey’s family were killed in a helicopter crash in Montana Wednesday, according to a social media post by his campaign.
Bailey’s son Zachary Bailey, his wife Kelsey, and two grandchildren, Vada Rose, 12, and Samuel, 7, were among the victims. A third grandchild, 10-year-old Finn Bailey, was not in the helicopter and is safe, the statement said.
Zachary Bailey was piloting the helicopter.
“Darren and Cindy are heartbroken by this unimaginable loss,” the statement said. “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.”
The National Transportation Safety Board posted on social media Thursday morning that it was investigating the crash of a Robinson Helicopter R66 near Ekalaka, Montana, in the southeast part of the state.
NBC Montana reported Carter County emergency services responded to a helicopter crash at 7:22 p.m. Wednesday evening, but additional details about the crash were not immediately available.
Bailey was the Republican Party’s 2022 nominee for governor and is mounting another run in 2026 alongside Cook County Republican Party Chair Aaron Del Mar. Bailey has three sons, a daughter, and 13 grandchildren.
Bailey’s political opponents expressed condolences Thursday morning.
“I cannot imagine losing a child, losing two grandchildren and what they must be going through,” Gov. JB Pritzker said at a news conference in Chicago.
Pritzker got emotional recalling how he lost his parents at a young age, adding, “I’ve not experienced it, thank God, but I know what they must be going through.”
“We want Darren and Cindy to know we grieve with them,” Ted Dabrowski, one of Bailey’s Republican opponents, said in a statement. “We know their deep faith and strong family ties will support them.”
Bailey and other candidates for office in 2026 can begin turning in petitions to the State Board of Elections to qualify for the ballot Monday.
Ben Szalinski of Capitol News Illinois provided information for this story.
This story was originally published October 23, 2025 at 7:29 AM.