What began as a routine family trip ended in unimaginable tragedy for Illinois gubernatorial candidate Darren Bailey and his wife, Cindy. On October 22, their son Zachary, his wife Kelsey, and their two children — 12-year-old Vada Rose and 7-year-old Samuel — lost their lives in a helicopter crash in Montana. Their only surviving grandchild, 10-year-old Finn, had traveled separately. As investigators from the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) work to determine what went wrong, messages of condolence and support continue to pour in for the Bailey family.
Officials reported that the Robinson R66 helicopter went down near Ekalaka, Montana, shortly after 7 p.m. local time. The family had attended a farming convention and was returning home when the accident occurred. The aircraft was piloted by Zachary, who was experienced and often flew for both business and charitable trips. Emergency responders arrived swiftly, but there were no survivors. The NTSB’s investigation may take months to complete as they analyze weather conditions, flight data, and mechanical records.
Bailey’s campaign released a statement expressing profound grief and asking for privacy, saying the couple is “finding strength through faith and the kindness of others.” His running mate, Aaron Del Mar, described the Baileys as “pillars of their community,” noting Zachary’s dedication to service and generosity.
The Bailey family, deeply rooted in southern Illinois, is well-known for its Christian faith and community involvement. In addition to managing a fourth-generation farm, they founded a private Christian school and several local initiatives focused on education and nutrition. As the community grieves, many remember Zachary and Kelsey as kind, compassionate people whose lives reflected their faith and commitment to others. Their legacy of love and service lives on through their surviving son, Finn, surrounded by a community determined to honor their memory.