Illinois Gubernatorial Candidate Breaks Silence After Four Family Members Die in Helicopter Crash
Illinois gubernatorial candidate Darren Bailey has spoken out following a devastating personal tragedy. His emotional message comes days after a fatal helicopter crash claimed the lives of several close family members.
Illinois gubernatorial candidate Darren Bailey revealed the devastating loss of his son, Zachary Adam Bailey, along with his daughter-in-law, Kelsey Danielle, and their two children, Vada Rose, 12, and Samuel Isaac, seven. The family of four perished in a harrowing helicopter crash in remote Montana on October 22, 2025 — a date now etched in heartbreak for the Baileys.
Darren and his wife, Cindy, received the unimaginable news from authorities in Montana. Their only surviving grandchild, Finnley "Finn" Tate, 10, was not on board the doomed aircraft and is now safely in the care of family.
In a heartfelt update shared to X on October 29, Darren gave an update on his surviving grandson, writing, "Their firstborn son, Finnley Tate, age 10, survives, surrounded by loving family."
The politician also confirmed the ages of his late son and daughter-in-law — 37 and 35, respectively — when they died on October 22, 2025, in Ekalaka. He also thanked supporters for their outpouring of love, prayers, and compassion during this trying time.
A Celebration of Life for the late family will be held on Monday, November 3, 2025, at 9 a.m., hosted at the Oil Belt Christian Service Camp in Illinois. The Baileys, who hailed from Xenia, will be laid to rest in a private burial at Oskaloosa Cemetery, following public visitation hours on Sunday, November 2, from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m., at the same venue.
Rather than flowers or gifts, the family has requested memorial donations be made to a GoFundMe established for Finnley's future. For those wishing to send tributes of flowers or gifts, the family has named The Mustard Seed in Louisville, Illinois, as their designated provider.
Illinois candidate for governor Darren Bailey and his wife, Cindy, arrive at a campaign stop at Crossroads Restaurant on September 21, 2022, in Mundelein, Illinois | Source: Getty Images
The National Transportation Safety Board confirmed that the family was flying in a Robinson Helicopter R66 when the aircraft crashed under unknown circumstances near Ekalaka. The Carter County Department of Emergency Services Office disclosed that first responders and law enforcement rushed to the scene at approximately 7:22 p.m.
There they were met with the grim aftermath of the accident. The cause remains under active investigation.
In a joint statement with fellow candidate Aaron Del Mar's campaign, the couple shared a glimpse into their emotional state: "Darren and Cindy are heartbroken by this unimaginable loss. They are finding comfort in their faith, their family, and the prayers of so many who love and care for them."
The Baileys are now faced with a future forever changed, clinging to faith and the surviving light of one child amid a storm of sorrow. This tragedy has deeply moved communities both locally and beyond. As they prepare to lay their loved ones to rest, they continue to draw strength from their faith and public support.