Four Family Members of Darren Bailey Killed in Montana Helicopter Accident
Ekalaka, Montana — In a heartbreaking tragedy, four family members of former Illinois gubernatorial candidate Darren Bailey were killed when their helicopter crashed in eastern Montana earlier this week. The victims have been identified as Zachary Bailey, Kelsey Bailey, and their two young children, Vada Rose (12) and Samuel (7).
The crash occurred near Ekalaka, a small town in Carter County, on Monday, October 21, 2025, according to officials from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), which are both investigating the cause of the accident. Authorities reported that the helicopter went down in a remote area shortly after takeoff, and all four passengers were pronounced dead at the scene.
A third child, Finn Bailey (10), was not onboard and survived.
In a statement shared with the public, Darren and Cindy Bailey said their family is “devastated by this unimaginable loss” and are “leaning on faith, prayer, and the strength of our loved ones” as they grieve. “Zachary, Kelsey, Vada Rose, and Samuel brought endless joy to our lives,” the Baileys wrote. “We thank everyone for their compassion and ask for privacy as we navigate this time of deep sorrow.”
Zachary Bailey, Darren’s son, was a well-known figure in the family’s farming and agribusiness operations in southern Illinois. Friends and neighbors described the Bailey family as “faithful, hard-working, and deeply devoted to one another.”
Local and state leaders across Illinois have expressed condolences, including Governor J.B. Pritzker, who wrote, “My heart goes out to Darren Bailey and his family in this tragic moment. Illinois stands with them in grief.”
The helicopter’s wreckage is being examined by investigators, with the NTSB confirming that weather conditions and mechanical factors will both be part of their inquiry. A preliminary report is expected within the next several weeks.
Funeral arrangements for the Bailey family have not yet been announced.
For Darren Bailey — a lifelong farmer, former state senator, and 2022 Republican nominee for Illinois governor — the loss has shaken a family long admired for its faith and resilience.
As tributes pour in from across the country, one message has echoed from friends, neighbors, and supporters alike: the Bailey family has always given to their community — and now, their community will stand with them in return.