4 Family Members of Illinois Governor Candidate Killed in Helicopter Crash

This week brought absolutely heartbreaking news out of Illinois.

Gubernatorial candidate Darren Bailey gave the news that his son, daughter-in-law, and two of his young grandchildren were killed in a helicopter crash in Montana on Wednesday.

Bailey and his wife, Cindy, shared that their son Zachary, his wife Kelsey, and two of their children, 12-year-old Vada Rose and 7-year-old Samuel, all passed away in the crash.  Their third child, Finn, was not on the helicopter and is alive, according to family.

The family released a statement saying they are "heartbroken by this unimaginable loss" and are finding comfort through faith, family, and the outpouring love from the community across Illinois and the country.

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They Baileys, like any family, are also asking for privacy as they grieve the loss of their beautiful family and unimaginable loss.  It's impossible to feel the weight of this tragedy.  No parent should have to go through something like this.

This is a somber reminder to hug your loved ones a little tighter and reach out to those who are hurting.  Life can change so quickly, and moments like this put everything into perspective.  My heart goes out to the family, and everyone affected by this terrible tragedy.

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Darren Bailey is a name many know in Illinois from his time as state senator and a former candidate who ran against Governor JB Pritzker in 2022.

To read more about this helicopter crash and the family involved, find more information here.  You'll also find more information about Darren Bailey's current and previous role in government.