In a tragedy that has sent shockwaves through Illinois and beyond, four members of the Bailey family—relatives of Republican gubernatorial candidate Darren Bailey—were killed in a helicopter crash in eastern Montana on October 22, 2025. The victims were Bailey’s son, Zachary; Zachary’s wife, Kelsey; and their two children, Vada Rose, age 12, and Samuel, age 7. The family was in Montana on a business trip related to the Baileys’ extensive farming operations, which utilize helicopters for crop management and other agricultural purposes, according to statements from the campaign and family spokespersons reported by the Associated Press and other outlets.
The crash occurred near Ekalaka, a remote area in southeastern Montana known for its rugged terrain and sparse population. The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) confirmed on October 23 that it had launched an investigation into the cause of the crash, which involved a Robinson Helicopters R66 model. The Carter County sheriff’s office responded to the scene early Wednesday evening, and local emergency personnel were dispatched around 7 p.m., as reported by The New York Times and NBC News. No other passengers were on board, and the Baileys’ third child, Finn, age 10, was not present for the flight.
According to Aaron Del Mar, Darren Bailey’s running mate and the family’s spokesperson, Zachary Bailey was piloting the helicopter at the time of the accident. Del Mar explained to multiple news organizations that the trip to Montana was intended to explore expanding the family’s use of helicopters in their farming business, which spans thousands of acres in south-central Illinois. Zachary, who had held a helicopter license for more than 12 years, first became a pilot through a church ministry program that trained pilots to deliver food and aid to remote areas in South America. “That was a driving force for him to get his license,” Del Mar recounted, highlighting Zachary’s commitment to service and community.
The family’s campaign released a statement on Thursday expressing the depth of their grief: “Darren and Cindy are heartbroken by this unimaginable loss. They are finding comfort in their faith, their family, and the prayers of so many who love and care for them.” The Baileys also requested privacy as they navigate this period of mourning, a sentiment echoed across social media and in statements from political figures on both sides of the aisle.
Kelsey Bailey, Zachary’s wife, was remembered not only as a devoted mother but also as a bikini competitor for The National Physique Committee and the owner of Faithfully Fit Supplements and Nutrition in Effingham, Illinois, according to her Instagram profile and coverage by NBC News. Zachary, in addition to his farming and piloting roles, served as a youth pastor—a testament to the family’s deep roots in their faith and community.
The Baileys’ farm, operated by Darren Bailey and his sons, is a fixture in rural southern Illinois. The family is known for their agricultural innovation, including the use of helicopters for crop dusting and other farm management tasks. Their presence in the local community extends beyond farming; as Del Mar told The New York Times, the Baileys are “a pillar of their community in Illinois.”
The news of the crash prompted an outpouring of condolences from across the political spectrum. Illinois Governor JB Pritzker, a Democrat and Bailey’s opponent in the 2022 gubernatorial race, offered his sympathies both on social media and at a press conference the following day. “I cannot imagine losing a child, losing two grandchildren, and what they must be going through,” Pritzker said, visibly emotional. “Our prayers and deep condolences are with the Baileys in this time of grief. May the memories of their loved ones be a blessing.”
U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth of Illinois also expressed her sorrow, writing, “My heart breaks for Darren and Cindy Bailey as they face such an unimaginable loss. No parent should ever have to bury their own child.” Illinois GOP Chair Kathy Salvi issued a statement on behalf of the state party: “Please join us in keeping the Bailey family in our thoughts and prayers during this unimaginable time.”
Darren Bailey, a third-generation farmer and lifelong conservative from Xenia, Illinois, has been a prominent figure in state politics for years. After serving in both the Illinois House and Senate, Bailey ran as the Republican nominee for governor in 2022, ultimately losing to Pritzker in a high-profile contest marked by significant campaign spending and national attention. Bailey had previously received an endorsement from former President Donald Trump and had run for the U.S. House of Representatives in 2024, though unsuccessfully. He announced in September 2025 that he would seek the GOP nomination for governor again in the 2026 election.
Throughout his political career, Bailey has been known for his staunch conservative positions and willingness to challenge the status quo. He gained statewide attention in 2020 as a vocal critic of Pritzker’s pandemic policies, at times refusing to wear a mask during legislative sessions. Bailey’s campaign has focused on issues like crime in Chicago and proposed changes to the state’s gun licensing system. He once supported a resolution to make Chicago a separate state, underscoring his focus on representing rural and downstate interests.
The tragic accident has cast a shadow over Bailey’s current campaign, which has been effectively put on hold as the family grieves. Supporters and political opponents alike have rallied around the Baileys, emphasizing the importance of community and compassion in times of loss. As Del Mar noted, the Baileys “deeply appreciate the kindness and support they have received and ask for privacy as they grieve and hold their loved ones close during this difficult time.”
The NTSB’s investigation into the crash is ongoing, with no official cause determined as of October 24, 2025. The agency’s findings will likely be awaited by both the family and the broader community, who are seeking answers in the wake of such a devastating event. In the meantime, the Baileys’ resilience and reliance on faith have been a source of inspiration for many, even as they endure a loss that is difficult to comprehend.
As the state of Illinois watches and waits, the memory of Zachary, Kelsey, Vada Rose, and Samuel Bailey stands as a poignant reminder of the fragility of life and the enduring strength of family and community ties.
