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Illinois GOP governor candidate loses son, daughter-in-law, 2 grandchildren in helicopter crash
By Anders Hagstrom
Published October 23, 2025
Illinois gubernatorial candidate Darren Bailey announced the loss of his son, daughter-in-law and two grandchildren in a helicopter crash in Montana on Wednesday.
Bailey, a Republican, and his wife Cindy announced the deaths of their son Zachary, his wife Kelsey, and their two young children, Vada Rose, 12, and Samuel, 7, in a post on social media. A third child, Finn, was not in the helicopter and is alive, the statement said.
"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," Bailey's campaign said in a statement.
"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," the statement continued.
Illinois gubernatorial hopeful Darren Bailey delivers remarks after receiving an endorsement from Donald Trump during a Save America Rally with former U.S. President Donald Trump at the Adams County Fairgrounds on June 25, 2022, in Mendon, Illinois. (Photo by Michael B. Thomas/Getty Images)
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.
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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.
Illinois gubernatorial candidate Darren Bailey lost his son, daughter-in-law and two grandchildren in a helicopter crash in Montana on October 22, 2025. (Darren Bailey Campaign)
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.
Darren Bailey debates Gov. JB Pritzker in 2022. (Ron Johnson/Illinois State University via AP, Pool)
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Illinois State Police discovered that Lennox allegedly had used his cellphone to make the threats, according to the Times. Chicago police said Lennox had admitted to making the threats.
Fox News' Danielle Wallace contributed to this report.
https://www.foxnews.com/politics/illinois-gop-governor-candidate-loses-son-daughter-2-grandchildren-helicopter-crash