Illinois gubernatorial candidate Darren Bailey’s son, daughter-in-law and two grandchildren were killed in a helicopter crash, his campaign said Thursday.
Bailey’s team announced the fatal accident in a statement posted to social media on Thursday.
“On Wednesday evening, Darren and his wife, Cindy, received the heartbreaking news no parent ever wants to hear,” the statement said. “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.”
Zachary Bailey was the pilot of the helicopter that crashed, Aaron Del Mar, who is running for lieutenant governor of Illinois alongside Bailey, told NBC News on Thursday afternoon.
Zachary Bailey and his wife Kelsey Bailey are survived by their 10-year-old son Finn, who was not on the helicopter, Del Mar said.
The National Transportation Safety Board announced on Thursday it was investigating the crash in Ekalaka, Montana, involving a Robinson Helicopters R66.
Bailey and his wife are leaning on their faith, family and the prayers of others, the campaign said. They “ask for privacy as they grieve and hold their loved ones close during this difficult time.”
The tragedy comes as Bailey announced he was running for governor of Illinois in the 2026 election as a Republican against Democratic incumbent Gov. JB Pritzker.
On Thursday morning, Pritzker offered condolences to the Baileys on social media.
“Our prayers and deep condolences are with the Baileys in this time of grief. May the memories of their loved ones be a blessing,” Pritzker wrote.
At a press conference later on Thursday, an emotional Pritzker choked up while again extending his sympathies.
“I cannot imagine losing a child, losing two grandchildren, and what they must be going through,” he told reporters. “This is not a time for politics.”
Previously endorsed by President Donald Trump, Bailey was the GOP nominee for governor of Illinois in the 2022 election, which he lost to Pritzker.
Bailey has held office in both the state’s Senate and House. He was a state representative from 2019 to 2021 and then became a state senator until 2023.
“Bailey is a third-generation farmer, devoted husband, and lifelong conservative from rural Southern Illinois,” according to his campaign website. “He and his sons operate Bailey Family Farm.”
Zachary Bailey worked at the family’s farm before his death, according to the farm’s website.
In addition to continuing his family’s farming heritage, Zachary Bailey was a pilot, according to his Instagram profile.
Zachary’s wife Kelsey was a bikini competitor for The National Physique Committee and the owner of Faithfully Fit Supplements and Nutrition, a store in Effingham, Illinois, according to her Instagram account.
Sen. Tammy Duckworth, D-Ill., expressed sympathy in a post to social media on Thursday afternoon.
“My heart breaks for Darren and Cindy Bailey as they face such an unimaginable loss,” Duckworth wrote. “No parent should ever have to bury their own child.”
