A tragic helicopter crash in Montana claimed the lives of four family members of former Illinois GOP state senator and 2026 gubernatorial candidate Darren Bailey, sending shockwaves through conservative political circles.
Family Tragedy Strikes Republican Leader
Former Illinois state Senator Darren Bailey suffered an unimaginable loss when four members of his family perished in a helicopter accident in Ekalaka, Montana. The victims included his son Zachary Bailey, daughter-in-law Kelsey Bailey, 12-year-old granddaughter Vada Rose, and 7-year-old grandson Samuel. Bailey’s campaign confirmed the deaths through an official statement, describing the incident as a tragic accident that has devastated the family.
I woke up to the heartbreaking news that Darren & Cindy Bailey’s son, his wife & two grandchildren, were tragically killed in an accident. Please pray for the entire Bailey family during this devastating time. pic.twitter.com/rSprPJNorq
— David E. Smith ن 🇺🇸 (@ProFamilyIL) October 23, 2025
NTSB Investigation Underway
The National Transportation Safety Board has launched a comprehensive investigation into the helicopter crash to determine the cause of this devastating accident. Federal investigators will examine weather conditions, mechanical factors, and operational circumstances surrounding the October 22 incident. The NTSB’s findings will be crucial in understanding what led to this tragedy that claimed four innocent lives in rural Montana.
Such sad news! 😞🙏
Former Republican state senator Darren Bailey and his wife are mourning the loss of their son, daughter in law and 2 grandchildren who were killed in a helicopter crash in Montana. 😞😢 pic.twitter.com/l8gXdMOEHF— Jannine.. #MagaMemeQueen ™️ 👑🇺🇸 (@janninereid1) October 24, 2025
Political Career and Family Legacy
Darren Bailey, who served as an Illinois state senator, announced his candidacy for governor in the 2026 election cycle. Throughout his political career, Bailey has been a strong advocate for conservative principles, often emphasizing the importance of family values and traditional American ideals. The loss of his son, daughter-in-law, and two grandchildren represents not only a personal tragedy but also strikes at the heart of the family-centered values he has championed throughout his public service.
Republican gubernatorial hopeful Darren Bailey mourns son, daughter-in-law, two grandchildren after Montana helicopter crash https://t.co/rv1oFoeeLf pic.twitter.com/BYfYpuyR9J
— New York Post (@nypost) October 23, 2025
One bright spot amid this overwhelming grief is that Bailey’s 10-year-old grandson Finn was not aboard the helicopter during the crash and survived the tragedy. The Bailey campaign shared a family photograph on social media, highlighting the close bonds between the family members who were lost. This surviving grandchild now faces the difficult journey of healing alongside his grandfather and the rest of the Bailey family during this incredibly challenging time.