It began as a routine family trip but ended in an unthinkable tragedy that has shaken an entire community. Illinois gubernatorial candidate Darren Bailey and his wife, Cindy, received heartbreaking news on the evening of October 22 — their son Zachary, his wife Kelsey, and their two children, 12-year-old Vada Rose and 7-year-old Samuel, were killed in a helicopter crash in Montana. Only one grandchild, 10-year-old Finn, survived because he had traveled separately. As investigators from the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) examine what went wrong, messages of prayer and support have poured in for the devastated Bailey family.
According to officials, the Robinson R66 helicopter went down near Ekalaka, Montana, shortly after 7 p.m. local time. The family had been attending a farming convention and was returning from the event when the accident occurred. The aircraft was piloted by Zachary, who was experienced and often flew the family’s helicopters for both business and community trips. Emergency crews arrived quickly, but there were no survivors on board. The NTSB has begun an investigation to determine the cause of the crash, which may take months to complete.
Darren Bailey’s campaign released a statement expressing deep sorrow and asking for privacy. “Darren and Cindy are heartbroken by this unimaginable loss,” it read. “They are finding strength through faith and the kindness of those around them.” Bailey’s running mate, Aaron Del Mar, described the family as “pillars of their community,” noting that Zachary’s life was marked by faith and service. He had used his pilot’s license not only for farming operations but also for humanitarian missions, delivering food and medical supplies to people in need.
Known for their Christian values and dedication to helping others, the Bailey family has long been a cornerstone of southern Illinois. Beyond their fourth-generation farm, they founded a private Christian school and several local initiatives focused on education and nutrition. While the community continues to grieve, many remember Zachary and Kelsey as kind-hearted people devoted to family and faith. Their legacy of compassion and service will live on through their surviving son, Finn, who remains surrounded by love and support from relatives and friends determined to honor the family’s memory.
