Four family members of Darren Bailey, a Republican who’s vying to become governor of Illinois, died in a helicopter crash in Montana, his campaign said in a statement.
Those killed in the accident Wednesday evening include Bailey’s son Zachary and his daughter-in-law Kelsey, as well as two of their kids, Vada Rose, 12, and Samuel, 7.
Another one of Bailey’s grandsons, 10-year-old Finn, “was not on the helicopter and is safe,” the campaign shared on X.
“Darren and Cindy are heartbroken by this unimaginable loss,” the statement said. “They are finding comfort in their faith, their family and the prayers of so many who love and care for them.”
No other details were provided and the cause of the crash remains unclear. The National Transportation Safety Board confirmed on Thursday it was investigating the crash of a Robinson Helicopters R66 in eastern Montana near the town of Ekalaka.
Bailey and his wife have four married children and 13 grandchildren, according to his campaign website. A Christian conservative, the 59-year-old previously served a single term in both the Illinois Senate and House. He also ran as the Republican nominee for Illinois governor in 2022, but lost to the Democratic incumbent, JB Pritzker.
Bailey last month announced his intention to seek the Republican nomination for governor in the 2026 election, which could again see him face off against Pritzker, who will be up for reelection.
With News Wire Services
