Four members of Illinois politician’s family killed in helicopter crash | US news
A former Illinois state senator running for governor in 2026 is mourning the deaths of four family members who died when their helicopter crashed in Montana on Wednesday.
Darren Bailey’s son Zachary, daughter-in-law Kelsey and grandchildren Vada Rose, 12, and seven-year-old Samuel were killed in the incident, his campaign announced Thursday. The couple’s 10-year-old son Finn, who was not on the plane, survived.
“On Wednesday evening, Darren and his wife, Cindy, received the heartbreaking news no parent wants to hear,” the campaign statement said. “Their son Zachary, his wife Kelsey, and their two young children, 12-year-old Vada Rose and 7-year-old Samuel, were tragically killed in a helicopter crash in Montana.”
Explanation, sent to xHe added that “Darren and Cindy are heartbroken over this unimaginable loss” and said the couple “find comfort in their faith, their family, and the prayers of the many people who love and care about them.”
The Bailey family thanked supporters for their kindness and asked for privacy “as they grieve and remain close to their loved ones during this difficult time.”
Authorities have not yet released information about what caused the helicopter to crash or where in Montana the incident occurred. The type of helicopter in question was not disclosed.
Bailey, 59, is running his second campaign for governor of Illinois, having lost to Democrat JB Pritzker in the 2022 race. most expensive Non-presidential races in American history. He secured the Republican nomination that year but lost by a landslide in the general election.
The politician from Southern Illinois was previously an elected state senator and previously served as a lawmaker in the state’s House of Representatives.
A conservative, he is again seeking the Republican nomination for the 2026 gubernatorial election and strongly opposes abortion, strongly supports gun rights and law enforcement, and is critical of criminal justice reforms as he attempts a second challenge for the state’s top office.
