Montana Helicopter Crash Claims Lives Of Four Family Members Of Illinois GOP Governor Candidate Darren Bailey

Montana: A deadly helicopter crash in Montana has claimed the lives of four family members of Darren Bailey, a Republican candidate for governor in Illinois. The incident occurred on Wednesday, leaving Darren Bailey and his wife Cindy, heartbroken, as they mourn the loss of their son, daughter-in-law, and two grandchildren. Notably, Bailey lost the 2022 gubernatorial election in Illinois and is seeking his party's nomination again in next year's race.

According to the campaign statement, The victims include Bailey's son, Zachary, his daughter-in-law Kelsey, and their two young children, Vada Rose, 12, and Samuel, 7. Zachary was piloting the helicopter at the time of the crash, which was part of a business trip to expand the family's farm business use of helicopters.. 

In a statement, Bailey's campaign expressed the family's grief, saying, "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 statement also thanked people for their support and prayers during this difficult time.

According to Aaron Del Mar, Bailey's running mate and family spokesperson, Zachary had obtained his helicopter license years ago to deliver medical supplies and aid to people in third-world countries. The crash site is located near the town of Ekalaka, in the hilly Chalk Butte area, where the flat-topped buttes have few trees.

The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has launched an investigation into the crash, with the sheriff's office in Carter County responding to the site on Wednesday evening. The cause of the crash is currently unknown.

Bailey, from the southern Illinois town of Xenia, announced his candidacy for the GOP's nomination for governor in 2026, having previously lost to Gov. JB Pritzker in 2022. Pritzker expressed his condolences to the Bailey family, stating, "I cannot imagine losing a child, losing two grandchildren, and what they must be going through."

Illinois GOP Chair Kathy Salvi offered her sympathies, saying, "Please join us in keeping the Bailey family in our thoughts and prayers during this unimaginable time……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."

Bailey, a staunch conservative, has been a vocal critic of Pritzker's policies, including his approach to the coronavirus pandemic. He has proposed eliminating the state's gun licensing system and has spoken out against crime in Chicago.

The Bailey family's farm business is based in south-central Illinois, where Bailey and his brothers helped their father run the operation. Zachary's wife Kelsey and their two children, Vada Rose and Samuel, were also on board the helicopter. The couple's third child, Finn, 10, was not on the helicopter and is safe.

Further details regarding the helicopter crash are awaited.