4 Members of Illinois GOP Gubernatorial Candidate’s Family Killed in Helicopter Crash

Four members of Darren Bailey’s family—his son, daughter-in-law, and two of their children—died in the crash, in Montana.

Republican candidate for Illinois governor Darren Bailey speaks to voters during a campaign stop in Athens, Ill., on June 14, 2022. John O'Connor/AP Photo

Four family members of former Illinois state Sen. Darren Bailey, a Republican candidate for governor of Illinois in the 2026 general election, were killed in a helicopter crash in Ekalaka, Montana, on Oct. 22.

Bailey’s son Zachary, daughter-in-law Kelsey, 12-year-old granddaughter Vada Rose, and 7-year-old grandson Samuel died in the crash, according to a statement from Bailey’s gubernatorial campaign. The campaign described the incident as an accident.