Liputan6.com, Jakarta A heartbreaking tragedy struck the family of Illinois Republican politician Darren Bailey on Wednesday evening, October 22, 2025.
Four family members, including his son, daughter-in-law, and two grandchildren, were killed in a helicopter crash in a remote area near Ekalaka, Montana.
Advertisement
The fatalities in the tragic accident were Darren Bailey's son, Zachary Bailey (37), who was also a helicopter pilot; his daughter-in-law, Kelsey Bailey; and two grandchildren, Vada Rose (12) and Samuel (7).
The crash happened 8 kilometers northwest of Ekalaka, a small town in Carter County, Montana.
The exact cause of the crash, a Robinson R66 Turbine helicopter with registration number N67GA, is still under investigation by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB).
The Bailey family was in Montana on a business trip, where Zachary planned to expand the use of helicopters on their family's farm operations.
This incident is a heavy blow for Darren Bailey, who is currently running for re-election as governor of Illinois.
Tragic Helicopter Crash Details
The helicopter crash that claimed the lives of four members of Darren Bailey's family occurred in a remote area of eastern Montana, approximately 5 miles (8.0 km) northwest of Ekalaka.
The incident reportedly occurred on Wednesday evening, October 22, 2025.
The helicopter involved was a Robinson R66 Turbine with registration number N67GA, manufactured in 2014.
The victims were Zachary Bailey (37), Darren Bailey's son and the helicopter pilot; his wife, Kelsey Bailey; and their two children, Vada Rose (12) and Samuel (7).
However, Zachary and Kelsey's third child, Finn (10), was not on board the helicopter at the time of the accident and reportedly survived the tragedy.
The Carter County Sheriff's Office was the first to respond to the scene.
The exact cause of the crash has not yet been determined.
The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has initiated a thorough investigation to determine the factors that led to the helicopter crash.
Darren Bailey's Family Background
Darren Bailey is known as a Republican politician from Illinois, previously serving as a state senator.
He ran for governor of Illinois in 2022 and has re-announced his candidacy for the Republican nomination in the 2026 gubernatorial election.
His son, Zachary Bailey, obtained his helicopter license many years ago.
Initially, the license was for the noble purpose of delivering medical supplies and humanitarian aid to third-world countries.
Zachary's dedication to helping others demonstrates the strong humanitarian side of Darren Bailey's family.
The Bailey family's presence in Montana at the time was for a business trip.
Zachary Bailey sought to expand the use of helicopters in their family's farming business.
Expressions of Grief and Condolences
Following this tragic incident, Darren Bailey and his wife, Cindy, expressed their deep sorrow over their unimaginable loss.
“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 statement said.
They sought solace in their faith, family, and the prayers of the many who love and care for them.
Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker also offered his deepest condolences to the Bailey family.
He expressed his sympathy for the grief, stating that he could not imagine losing a son and two grandchildren.
Illinois GOP Chair Kathy Salvi said in a statement that the party is grieving the tragic loss.
“Please join us in keeping the Bailey family in our thoughts and prayers during this unimaginable time,” the statement said.