Illinois gubernatorial candidate's son, daughter-in-law and grandchildren killed in helicopter crash

(WGN) – Illinois gubernatorial candidate Darren Bailey's son, daughter-in-law and two young grandchildren were killed in a helicopter crash Wednesday in Montana.

Bailey's campaign released a statement Wednesday night, confirming Zachary Bailey, his wife Kelsey and two of their children, 12-year-old Vada Rose and 7-year-old Samuel, died in the crash. Their other son, 10-year-old Finn, was not on the helicopter and is safe, according to the Bailey campaign.

The Montana Highway Patrol confirmed to Nexstar's WGN that the crash happened in Carter County, which is in the southeast corner of the state, bordering South Dakota and Wyoming.

However, per Travis Akin, spokesperson for the campaign of Bailey and running mate Aaron Del Mar, the crash occurred Wednesday evening near the town of Baker, Montana, which is in Fallon County and close to the North Dakota border.

Akin could only confirm the death of Zachary Bailey, his wife and the two children. It's unclear if anyone else was on board the helicopter. Akin confirmed Darren Bailey was on his way to Montana on Thursday morning.

The full statement shared Wednesday from Bailey's campaign is below:

"On Wednesday evening, Darren and his wife, Cindy, received the heartbreaking news no parent ever wants to hear. Their son, Zachary, his wife, Kelsey, and their two young children, Vada Rose, age 12, and Samuel, age 7, tragically lost their lives in a helicopter accident in Montana.

"Their other grandson, Finn, age 10, was not on the helicopter and is safe.

"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 deeply appreciate the kindness and support they have received and ask for privacy as they grieve and hold their loved ones close during this difficult time."

Bailey, a former state senator, officially kicked off his campaign last month to regain the Republican nomination for governor after losing to Democratic Gov. JB Pritzker in 2022.

Pritzker shared his condolences on his social media Thursday morning.

"MK (Pritzker's wife) and I are devastated to learn of the tragic passing of Darren and Cindy Bailey’s son Zachary, daughter-in-law Kelsey, and their two young children Vada Rose and Samuel," reads the post. "Our prayers and deep condolences are with the Baileys in this time of grief. May the memories of their loved ones be a blessing."

Illinois GOP chairperson Kathy Salvi also issued a statement Thursday morning, saying the party is "lifting up the Bailey family, friends and community in prayer as we grieve the tragic loss of Zachary, Kelsey, Vada Rose and Samuel. Please join us in keeping the Bailey family in our thoughts and prayers during this unimaginable time."

Darren and Cindy Bailey and their sons run the family farm business, Bailey Family Farm, in Xenia, located in the south-central part of Illinois. They have two other sons, Cole and Mason.