Former Illinois state senator Darren Bailey, who is running for governor again in 2026, is grieving the loss of four family members killed in a helicopter crash in Montana on Wednesday, October 22.
Bailey’s son Zachary, daughter-in-law Kelsey, and their children Vada Rose, 12, and Samuel, 7, all died in the crash, his campaign announced on Thursday, October 23.
The couple’s 10-year-old son Finn was not on the helicopter and survived.
“On Wednesday evening, Darren and his wife, Cindy, received the heartbreaking news no parent ever wants to hear,” the campaign said in a statement posted on X. “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.”
The family said Darren and Cindy are “heartbroken by this unimaginable loss” and are leaning on their faith, family, and the support of others. They thanked people for their kindness and asked for privacy as they grieve.
No details have been released about the cause of the crash or its exact location in Montana.
Bailey, 59, is making his second run for Illinois governor after losing to Democratic incumbent JB Pritzker in 2022 in one of the costliest non-presidential races in U.S. history. He previously served as a Republican state senator and state representative from southern Illinois.