Illinois gubernatorial candidate Darren Bailey’s son, daughter-in-law and two young grandchildren were killed in a helicopter crash in Montana, Bailey’s campaign said in a statement Wednesday night.
According to the statement, Bailey’s son Zachary, his wife Kelsey and two of their children, 12-year-old Vada Rose and 7-year-old Samuel, died in the crash. Their other son, 10-year-old Finn, was not on the helicopter and is safe, according to the Bailey campaign.
The Montana Highway Patrol confirmed to WGN-TV that the crash happened in Carter County, which is in the southeast corner of the state, bordering South Dakota and Wyoming.
Here is the full statement from Bailey’s campaign:
“On Wednesday evening, Darren and his wife, Cindy, received the heartbreaking news no parent ever wants to hear. 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.
“Their other grandson, Finn, age 10, was not on the helicopter and is safe.
“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 officially kicked off his campaign last month to regain the Republican nomination for governor after losing to Democratic Gov. JB Pritzker in 2022.
Darren and Cindy Bailey and their sons run the family farm business, Bailey Family Farm, in Xenia, located in the south-central part of Illinois.
No further details are available. This story will be updated as more is known.
