Tragedy struck the family of Illinois Republican gubernatorial candidate Darren Bailey this week as his son, daughter-in-law, and two young grandchildren were killed in a helicopter crash in Montana, according to a statement from the Bailey campaign acquired by NBC Chicago. The fatal incident claimed the lives of Zachary and Kelsey Bailey, as well as their children, Vada Rose, 12, and Samuel, 7; the family was involved in a helicopter accident that occurred in the southeastern region of Montana.
The Montana Highway Patrol confirmed the crash happened in Carter County, and the only survivor from the immediate family is 10-year-old Finn, who was not present on the helicopter at the time of the crash. The campaign revealed in a follow-up statement that, while further details have not been disclosed, ongoing investigations are expected to illuminate the circumstances surrounding the devastating event.
In a display of bipartisan empathy, current Democratic Gov. J.B. Pritzker and his wife expressed their condolences following the tragic news, with Pritzker stating on social media, "MK and I are devastated to learn of the tragic passing of Darren and Cindy Bailey’s son Zachary, daughter-in-law Kelsey, and their two young children Vada Rose and Samuel," as reported by WGN-TV. He further added, "Our prayers and deep condolences are with the Baileys in this time of grief. May the memories of their loved ones be a blessing."
The Illinois Republican Party, through chairperson Kathy Salvi, also extended their sympathies, affirming that they are "lifting up the Bailey family, their friends and community in prayer as we grieve the tragic loss of Zachary, Kelsey, Vada Rose and Samuel" as the Bailey family is a well-known entity within Illinois, managing their family farm business, Bailey Family Farm, in the south-central part of the state, the future of which may now weigh heavily in the hearts of the extended family and community members who share in the Bailey's sorrows.
