Copyright NBC 5 Chicago
Darren Bailey released a message Wednesday, one week after his son, daughter-in-law and two grandchildren were killed in a helicopter crash in Montana. "Cindy and I are deeply grateful for the outpouring of love, prayers, and support our family has received," the Illinois Republican gubernatorial candidate wrote in a post on X. "The Bailey family—Zachary Adam, age 37, Kelsey Danielle, age 35, and a cherished daughter and son, Vada Rose, age 12, and Samuel Isaac, age 7—of Xenia, Illinois, passed away on October 22, 2025, in Ekalaka, Montana. Their firstborn son, Finnley Tate, age 10, survives, surrounded by loving family." A celebration of life for the family is scheduled to take place at 9 a.m. on Nov. 3 at Oil Belt Christian Service Camp in Flora, Illinois. A visitation will also be held from 1-5 p.m. on Nov. 2 and a private burial will follow on Nov. 3. The family asked that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to a fund to benefit Finnley Bailey, the only surviving child. "As family and friends surround Finn with love, many have asked how they can help during this heart-wrenching time. To support Finn’s future, a fund has been established through the Louisville Banking Company," a GoFundMe for the 10-year-old read. The tragic incident happened last week, when Bailey's campaign announced four family members had passed away. "On Wednesday evening, Darren and his wife, Cindy, received the heartbreaking news no parent ever wants to hear," the statement began. "Their son, Zachary, his wife, Kelsey, and their two young children, Vada Rose, age 12, and Samuel, age 7, tragically lost their lives in a helicopter accident in Montana." "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. 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." According to NBC 5 political reporter Mary Ann Ahern, Zachary was attending a helicopter convention and was flying the four-seater chopper near Ekalaka, Montana, at the time of the crash. There was not a seat on the helicopter for their 10-year-old son, Ahern said. Upon learning of the crash Wednesday night, Darren and Cindy began driving the 19-hours to Montana. "They were so upset and distraught, and they decided they wanted to drive through the night, to take time to pray, to take time to talk about it between them," Del Mar said. Del Mar said Bailey was "incredibly stoic" in the face of the shocking loss, and that he showed a great amount of courage in his response. He also praised Zachary Bailey's work ethic, and said he mirrored his father in many ways. "He’s very much like his father. The same values, the faith, the family, those institutional characteristics that Darren has, you can definitely see in his son," he said. Zachary Bailey worked alongside his father and brothers on their family farm in downstate Xenia. He not only piloted the helicopter for that business, but also for his father’s gubernatorial campaign, according to Del Mar. In a post on X, Pritzker offered prayers and condolences to the Bailey family. "MK and I are devastated to learn of the tragic passing of Darren and Cindy Bailey’s son Zachary, daughter-in-law Kelsey, and their two young children Vada Rose and Samuel," the post read. "May the memories of their loved ones be a blessing."
