Illinois Gubernatorial Candidate Darren Bailey’s Family Shattered After Fatal Helicopter Crash Claims Four Lives
Tragedy struck the family of Illinois gubernatorial candidate Darren Bailey on the evening of Wednesday, October 22, when a helicopter accident in Montana claimed the lives of four of his closest family members. According to a statement issued by the Bailey and Aaron Del Mar campaign, the victims included Bailey’s son, Zachary, his wife Kelsey, and their two young children, 12-year-old Vada Rose and 7-year-old Samuel.
Miraculously, the couple’s older son, 10-year-old Finn, was not aboard the aircraft and survived, having traveled separately with a business partner due to seating limitations on the helicopter—a logistical detail that ultimately spared his life. Zachary and his family were integral to the operation of the Baileys’ fourth-generation farm in Xenia, Illinois, and at the time of the crash, they were en route to a farming convention in Montana aboard one of the family’s Robinson R66 four-seater helicopters.
In a statement, Darren and Cindy Bailey expressed their grief and gratitude: “Darren and Cindy are heartbroken by this unimaginable loss. They are finding comfort in their faith, their family, and the prayers of those 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 incredibly difficult time.”
The NTSB Investigation
The National Transportation Safety Board has confirmed that the Robinson R66 went down near Ekalaka, Montana. Emergency responders arrived on the scene around 7:22 p.m., according to the Carter County Department of Emergency Services. A formal investigation is underway to determine the precise cause of the crash.
Aaron Del Mar, Bailey’s running mate, provided additional details regarding the incident, noting that Zachary was piloting the helicopter, with Kelsey seated beside him in the front and their two children in the rear. Del Mar described the loss as “soul-crushing,” extending his condolences to the Bailey family, their campaign team, and the wider Illinois community that has long been touched by the family’s presence and contributions.
The helicopter crash not only represents a devastating personal loss for the Baileys but also reverberates across the political and agricultural communities, highlighting the fragility of life even amid the routines of family and professional commitments. As the NTSB investigation continues, the Bailey family and their supporters grapple with a grief that will profoundly shape their lives in the months and years to come.
A Life of Faith and Service
Aaron Del Mar, running mate to Illinois gubernatorial candidate Darren Bailey, reflected on the Bailey family’s deep-rooted contributions to their community, highlighting both their agricultural and faith-based commitments. The family owns thousands of acres of farmland and routinely utilizes helicopters for crop-dusting and other farm operations. Darren Bailey has long overseen the family’s agricultural enterprises and also manages a private Christian school, while Zachary and his brothers were integral to the farm’s day-to-day operations. In the wake of the tragic helicopter accident, Del Mar assisted in coordinating transportation for the grieving family, and the gubernatorial campaign was temporarily paused to allow them time to mourn.
Del Mar shared a personal connection with Zachary, noting that he had flown alongside him just six weeks prior to the crash. Zachary held a pilot’s license that he employed not only for agricultural purposes but also to assist with both his father’s and Del Mar’s political engagements. Reflecting on their time together, Del Mar recalled Zachary’s unwavering respect and devotion to his parents, describing him simply as “a good guy” whose character and dedication were evident in every interaction.
Zachary had earned his pilot’s license twelve years earlier through a Christian ministry program, which trained him to deliver food and medical aid to remote communities across South America. Del Mar emphasized that this experience was emblematic of Zachary’s faith-driven, service-oriented nature. In addition to his aviation work, Zachary served as a youth pastor, reinforcing the family’s long-standing commitment to community service, ministry, and guiding others through acts of faith and leadership.
Beyond Farming, a Family Committed to Community
The Baileys’ impact extended well beyond their agricultural endeavors. They were actively involved in a range of community initiatives, including founding a nutrition company and launching ventures designed to support and uplift residents throughout southern Illinois. Aaron Del Mar described these efforts as emblematic of the family’s compassion and commitment to their neighbors. “It’s a very sad loss that we’re feeling, not only in the Bailey family, the campaign, but across the general community as well,” he said, acknowledging the widespread grief.
Political Partnership and Personal Bonds
Despite the close working relationship Aaron now shares with Darren Bailey, the two were once political rivals. In previous election cycles, they publicly criticized each other and supported opposing candidates. It was only three months ago that they chose to put aside their differences and join forces for the gubernatorial campaign. Their contrasting backgrounds reflect the geographic and cultural diversity of Illinois politics: Aaron grew up near Chicago in Palatine, while Darren hails from downstate Illinois, near St. Louis and Kentucky.
Community Support and Ongoing Grief
In the days following the helicopter crash, Aaron’s priority has been supporting Darren and his family. Campaign staff coordinated funeral arrangements and facilitated the return of the four family members to Xenia, Illinois, where Darren’s children reside nearby. Aaron praised the community’s response, describing the outpouring of support as “something I’ve never seen or been a part of. I’m proud to be a part of this team.”
Reflecting on the legacy of Zachary, Kelsey, and their children, Aaron noted that while the family’s next steps remain uncertain, young Finn will grow up surrounded by love and guidance from relatives and the broader community. “There’s a community of aunts, uncles, and cousins who will protect and guide him as he grows,” he said, offering a measure of comfort amid the tragedy.
A Legacy to Inspire the Future
With the gubernatorial campaign temporarily on hold, Aaron stressed that political ambitions are secondary to supporting the Bailey family through this devastating loss. He highlighted Zachary’s aspiration to follow in his father’s footsteps in public service and expressed hope that Finn will one day appreciate and honor the family’s legacy of dedication, faith, and integrity. Darren Bailey officially launched his campaign for the Republican nomination in September, with Aaron Del Mar joining as his running mate. Together, they now face the formidable challenge of continuing their campaign while navigating a personal and communal tragedy that has left an indelible mark on all who knew the Bailey family.
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