Montana Helicopter Crash Claims Lives of 4 Family Members of Illinois Governor Candidate

A tragic helicopter crash in Montana has claimed the lives of four family members of Darren Bailey, an Illinois Republican gubernatorial candidate. The incident occurred on Wednesday in a remote area near Ekalaka, Montana, as the family was on a business trip related to their farming operations.

Victims of the Tragedy

The helicopter was piloted by Zachary Bailey, who was accompanied by his wife, Kelsey, and their two young children, Vada Rose, 12, and Samuel, 7. The couple’s third child was not present during the flight. The Baileys were exploring the use of helicopters to support their family farm in south-central Illinois.

Impact of the Loss

In a statement, Darren Bailey expressed profound heartache over the loss of his son and grandchildren. “Darren and Cindy are heartbroken by this unimaginable loss,” said Aaron Del Mar, a family spokesperson. The Baileys are leaning on their faith, family, and the outpouring of prayers from loved ones during this difficult time.

NTSB Investigation Underway

The cause of the helicopter crash is under investigation by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). No one else was aboard the aircraft when it went down, and the sheriff’s office in Carter County responded to the scene shortly after the incident.

Darren Bailey’s Political Aspirations

Darren Bailey previously served in the Illinois House and Senate, and he is seeking the Republican nomination for governor again in the upcoming 2026 election. He lost to incumbent Governor JB Pritzker in 2022 and gained national attention for his critical stance on pandemic management.

Condolences from Political Leaders

Governor Pritzker offered condolences, stating, “I cannot imagine losing a child, losing two grandchildren, and what they must be going through.” The Illinois GOP, led by Chair Kathy Salvi, also expressed grief over the tragic circumstances. They urged the community to keep the Bailey family in their thoughts and prayers.

Background on Zachary Bailey

• Zachary Bailey had obtained his helicopter license to deliver aid to third-world countries.
• He was involved in the family farm business, which his father and brothers also supported.
• His commitment to humanitarian efforts was noted as a primary motivation for his pilot training.

This heartbreaking incident serves as a reminder of the unpredictability of life and the irreplaceable nature of family bonds. The Bailey family is now left to navigate their grief and the challenges ahead.