Tragedy Strikes Illinois Gubernatorial Candidate Darren Bailey
Darren Bailey, a former Illinois state senator and gubernatorial candidate, is reeling from the devastating loss of four family members in a helicopter crash in Montana on Wednesday. The deceased include his son Zachary, daughter-in-law Kelsey, and grandchildren Vada Rose, 12, and Samuel, 7. Bailey's 10-year-old son Finn, who was not on the aircraft, is survived by his parents.
Key Takeaways:
- Darren Bailey, 59, is mourning the deaths of his son Zachary, daughter-in-law Kelsey, and grandchildren Vada Rose, 12, and Samuel, 7, in a helicopter crash in Montana on Wednesday.
- Bailey's 10-year-old son Finn is the only surviving member of the family, who were on the helicopter with him.
- The crash has not yet been attributed to a specific cause, and authorities have not released further information about the incident.
- Bailey is mounting his second campaign for Illinois governor in 2026, having previously run against Democratic incumbent JB Pritzker in 2022 and lost.
- Bailey is a conservative Republican candidate, opposed to abortion, strongly supportive of gun rights and law enforcement, and critical of criminal justice reforms.
Statistics:
- Four family members of Darren Bailey were killed in the helicopter crash, including his son Zachary, daughter-in-law Kelsey, and grandchildren Vada Rose, 12, and Samuel, 7.
- Bailey's 10-year-old son Finn was the only surviving member of the family on the helicopter.
- 59 is the age of Darren Bailey, who is running for Illinois governor in 2026.
- 2022 is the year in which Bailey previously ran for governor against Democratic incumbent JB Pritzker.
- 12 is the age of Vada Rose, one of Bailey's grandchildren who was killed in the crash.
- 7 is the age of Samuel, one of Bailey's grandchildren who was killed in the crash.
Sources:
- Campaign announcement from Darren Bailey on X
- Getty Images: Photograph: Michael B Thomas