Illinois Republican Candidate Running to Unseat Gov. Pritzker Suffers Horrific Family Tragedy

[Conservative Angle]

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The Illinois Republican gubernatorial candidate who is running to unseat current Gov. JB Pritzker just shared some completely devastating personal news.

Late Wednesday night, former Illinois state Sen. Darren Bailey’s son, daughter-in-law, and two of his grandchildren were killed in a helicopter crash in Montana.

'UNIMAGINABLE LOSS': Illinois Republican gubernatorial candidate Darren Bailey announced the tragic loss of his son, daughter-in-law and two grandchildren in a helicopter crash on Wednesday. pic.twitter.com/5mirzugvww

— Fox News (@FoxNews) October 23, 2025

Absolutely heartbreaking.

His campaign released a statement on his tragic loss:

Statement from the Darren Bailey / Aaron Del Mar Campaign

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,… pic.twitter.com/AKKhumqHzs

— Darren Bailey (@DarrenBaileyIL) October 23, 2025

Statement from the Darren Bailey / Aaron Del Mar Campaign

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.

Gov. Pritzker shared his condolences for the family:

Our prayers and deep condolences are with the Baileys in this time of grief. May the memories of their loved ones be a blessing.

— JB Pritzker (@JBPritzker) October 23, 2025

They’re calling it an accident, but the cause of the crash is currently under investigation.

Notably, Bailey was the subject of a death threat during his first campaign against Pritzker in 2022.

Fox News shared more details:

The circumstances of the helicopter crash remain unknown. The National Transportation Safety Board announced on Thursday that it is investigating a helicopter crash in Ekalaka, Montana. It is unclear whether that is the same crash.

Bailey is running to unseat Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker. He previously served as a state senator in Illinois and lost a gubernatorial race to Pritzker in 2022.

During that campaign, a Chicago man was charged with sending Bailey a death threat. Scott Lennox, 21, was charged with three felony offenses: threatening a public official, telephone harassment and harassment by electronic communications.

Lennox was accused of leaving Bailey a voicemail threatening to “mutilate and kill” the Republican, according to the Chicago Sun Times.

Please keep the Bailey family in your prayers during their time of unimaginable loss and grieving.

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