SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (AP) — Four family members of Republican gubernatorial candidate Darren Bailey died in a helicopter crash in Montana on Wednesday.
Killed in the crash were Bailey's son Zachary, his wife Kelsey, and their two children, Vada Rose, 12, and Samuel, 7. Their third child was not on board, according to Bailey's campaign statement. The family is mourning this devastating loss, finding comfort in faith and community support.
The National Transportation Safety Board is currently investigating the helicopter crash, which occurred near Ekalaka, Montana, early Wednesday evening. The Carter County Sheriff's Office confirmed the location of the accident.
Darren Bailey, who hails from Xenia, Illinois, is seeking the Republican nomination for governor in 2026, having lost to Governor JB Pritzker in 2022. Pritzker extended his condolences, expressing sympathy for the Bailey family's loss.
Bailey is known for his conservative stance and was a vocal critic of Pritzker during the COVID-19 pandemic, often opposing mask mandates. In addition, he has previously proposed changes to the state's gun laws and advocated for Chicago to become a separate state.
Illinois GOP Chair Kathy Salvi issued a statement expressing grief over the family's tragic loss and encouraged others to keep the Baileys in their thoughts and prayers.
Copyright 2025 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed without permission.