4 family members of Illinois governor candidate killed in Montana helicopter crash, campaign says

CHICAGO, IL (AP) – Four members of a Republican candidate for governor in Illinois died in a Montana helicopter accident, according to his campaign.

In the crash on Wednesday, the son, daughter in law, and two grandchildren, of former state legislator Darren Bailey who lost in 2022’s gubernatorial elections in Illinois, and is now seeking the nomination for his party in the next year’s race were all killed. Bailey served both in the Illinois House of Representatives and Senate.

In a press release, Bailey’s campaign stated that Zachary Bailey, Kelsey Bailey, Vada, Rose and Samuel, ages 12 and 7, were killed in the crash. The third child of the couple was not in the helicopter.

The statement said, “Darren and Cindy were heartbroken at this unimaginable tragedy. The statement stated that they are comforted by their faith, family and prayers from so many people who care about them.

Aaron Del Mar, Darren Bailey’s running mate, and family spokesperson, confirmed that Zachary Bailey piloted the helicopter at the time it crashed.

Del Mar stated that they were in Montana for a business trip to allow Zachary Bailey to expand the use of helicopters within his family’s farming business. Bailey and his brothers helped their father manage their farm in south central Illinois.

Del Mar says that Zachary Bailey got his first helicopter license many years ago so he could provide medical supplies and assistance to third-world nations. Del Mar said that Zachary Bailey was motivated to obtain his helicopter license by the desire to deliver medical supplies and aid in third-world countries.

Bailey, a native of the southern Illinois town Xenia, declared in September that he will run for the GOP nomination as governor in 2026. He lost out to Gov. JB Pritzker in 2022.

Pritzker announced on Thursday that both he and wife had expressed their condolences for the Bailey family. The governor said, “I can’t imagine what it must be like to lose a child and two grandchildren.”

Bailey, a staunch Conservative , dramatically boosted his statewide visibility in 2020 by being a frequent critic Pritzker’s strategy to combat the coronavirus outbreak — including refusing wear a face mask during legislative sessions.

Bailey , during his campaign for governor, railed against crime in Chicago. He also proposed eliminating the gun licensing system of Illinois, claiming that it didn’t prevent people from illegally using guns. He supported a proposal to separate Chicago from the rest of the state.

Bailey lost the primary election last year to Republican U.S. Rep. Mike Bost, who has served five terms in Congress. The district includes much of Illinois’ lower one-third.

In a statement, Illinois GOP Chair Kathy Salvi stated that the party grieves the tragic loss. The statement read: “Please join us as we keep the Bailey family in the forefront of our minds and prayers at this difficult time.”

Source: https://apnews.com/article/darren-bailey-family-helicopter-crash-75826f7a22c45f6e948f4f2200596462

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