President Donald Trump and the nation were informed of a tragic accident that struck the family of Illinois Republican gubernatorial candidate Darren Bailey. On a somber Wednesday, the Bailey campaign confirmed the deaths of Bailey's son, Zachary, daughter-in-law Kelsey, and their two children, Vada Rose, aged 12, and Samuel, aged 7, following a helicopter crash in Carter County, Montana.
Zachary Bailey, an experienced pilot, was flying the four-seater helicopter to a convention when the accident occurred, leaving their ten-year-old son, Finn, who was not aboard, safe. The Baileys, grounded in their faith, have requested privacy during this grievous period, expressing gratitude for the outpouring of support.
The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has launched an investigation to determine the cause of the crash. While details remain scarce, the tragic event has resonated across the political spectrum, with figures like Democratic Governor J.B. Pritzker and Illinois Republican Party Chair Kathy Salvi offering their condolences.
Darren Bailey, a farmer and former state senator, narrowly lost the 2022 governor's race to Pritzker and is currently seeking the Republican nomination for the 2026 election. Amidst his campaign, Bailey received a threatening voicemail, leading to felony charges against the perpetrator, but the current focus remains firmly on the Bailey family's loss.
The incident has prompted a national reflection on the vulnerabilities and personal sacrifices of public figures. As the investigation continues, the Baileys commenced a nearly 19-hour journey to Montana, accompanied by a wave of sympathy from Illinois and beyond.
The collision of personal tragedy with public life has underscored a moment of bipartisan empathy, reminding us of life's fragility and the universal experience of loss. The Baileys' ordeal, while casting a shadow over Darren Bailey's political aspirations, has united communities in grief and support for the family.
