Four relatives of Republican candidate Darren Bailey, including his son, daughter-in-law, and two grandchildren, died in the crash, authorities confirm.
Four family members of Illinois Republican gubernatorial candidate Darren Bailey were killed in a helicopter crash in eastern Montana on Wednesday evening, according to a statement from his campaign.
The victims included Bailey’s son, Zachary, his daughter-in-law, Kelsey, and their two young children, Vada Rose, 12, and Samuel, 7. The family’s third child was not on board.
“Darren and Cindy are heartbroken by this unimaginable loss,” the campaign said in a statement Thursday. “They are finding comfort in their faith, their family, and the prayers of so many who love and care for them.”
Authorities said the crash occurred southwest of Ekalaka, a small town in Carter County, Montana. The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) confirmed it is leading the investigation into the cause of the crash, working in coordination with local law enforcement.
Federal Investigation Underway
The NTSB reported Thursday that it had dispatched investigators to the scene to determine what led to the helicopter’s sudden descent. Preliminary findings are expected in the coming weeks, though full reports can take months to complete.
The Carter County Sheriff’s Office said emergency responders reached the crash site on Wednesday evening but found no survivors. Weather conditions in the area at the time of the incident have not yet been released.
Officials did not immediately provide details on the helicopter’s model, flight path, or ownership. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is expected to release registration data as part of the ongoing investigation.
A Community in Mourning
Bailey, a farmer and former state senator from the southern Illinois town of Xenia, rose to prominence as a conservative voice within the state’s Republican Party. His campaign described the family’s loss as “deeply personal” and asked for privacy while they grieve.
Across Illinois, expressions of sympathy poured in from political colleagues and community members. Illinois GOP Chair Kathy Salvi released a statement offering condolences on behalf of the party, saying, “Please join us in keeping the Bailey family in our thoughts and prayers during this unimaginable time.”
The tragedy has prompted an outpouring of messages from both sides of the political spectrum, with public officials emphasizing unity and compassion in the face of personal loss.
Bailey’s Political Career
Darren Bailey, 58, previously served one term each in the Illinois House of Representatives and the Illinois Senate before launching his first gubernatorial bid in 2022. He was the Republican nominee in that election but lost to Democratic incumbent Governor JB Pritzker.
Earlier this year, Bailey announced his intention to seek the Republican nomination for governor in 2026, positioning himself once again as a challenger from Illinois’s conservative downstate base.
In 2024, he also ran unsuccessfully in the Republican primary against U.S. Representative Mike Bost, who represents Illinois’s 12th Congressional District.
Known for his outspoken views on education, taxation, and rural development, Bailey remains a prominent figure in Illinois politics — particularly among evangelical and agricultural communities.
Faith and Resilience Amid Tragedy
The Bailey family has long emphasized faith as central to their personal and public lives. The campaign’s statement noted that “faith remains their foundation,” reflecting the family’s deep religious roots and commitment to their local church community.
Friends and supporters have organized prayer gatherings in Xenia and neighboring towns, with local leaders describing the tragedy as a devastating loss not only for the family but also for the broader community.
As investigators continue to examine the wreckage in Montana, family representatives said funeral arrangements and memorial details will be announced in the coming days.
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