Illinois GOP governor candidate loses son, daughter-in-law, 2 grandchildren in helicopter crash

Published: Thursday, October 23, 2025 at 12:09 pm

Illinois Gubernatorial Candidate Suffers Tragic Loss in Helicopter Crash

Illinois Republican gubernatorial candidate Darren Bailey is mourning the loss of his son, daughter-in-law, and two grandchildren in a helicopter crash in Montana. Bailey and his wife, Cindy, announced the deaths of their son Zachary, his wife Kelsey, and their children, Vada Rose and Samuel, in a social media post. A third child, Finn, was not in the helicopter and is alive.

The Bailey campaign released a statement expressing the family's heartbreak and their reliance on faith, family, and the support of others during this difficult time. The statement also requested privacy as the family grieves. The circumstances surrounding the helicopter crash remain unknown.

Bailey is currently running for governor of Illinois, seeking to unseat incumbent JB Pritzker. He previously served as a state senator and ran against Pritzker in the 2022 gubernatorial race. During that campaign, Bailey received a death threat from a Chicago man, Scott Lennox, who was subsequently charged with multiple felony offenses.

BNN's Perspective:

The tragedy faced by Darren Bailey is undoubtedly devastating. While the political implications of this event are secondary to the personal loss, it is important to acknowledge the impact this will have on his campaign. We extend our deepest condolences to the Bailey family during this incredibly difficult time.

Keywords: Darren Bailey, helicopter crash, Illinois, gubernatorial candidate, Zachary Bailey, Kelsey Bailey, Vada Rose, Samuel, Finn, JB Pritzker, death threat, Scott Lennox, Republican, Montana, campaign, tragedy, grief

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