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Four family members of Illinois gubernatorial candidate Darren Bailey killed in helicopter crash, campaign says
- Darren Bailey's campaign announced on Oct. 23 that his son, daughter-in-law and two grandchildren died in a helicopter accident in Montana.
- Having run statewide before, Darren Bailey, Illinois gubernatorial candidate, launched a September bid to challenge Gov. J.B. Pritzker in 2026 with President Donald Trump's endorsement.
- The campaign named the victims as Zachary, Darren Bailey's son, his wife Kelsey, their children Vada Rose, 12, and Samuel, 7, while another grandchild, Finn, 10, is safe.
- The Baileys said Darren Bailey and Cindy Bailey are heartbroken and finding comfort in faith and family while Gov. J.B. Pritzker and MK Pritzker expressed they are devastated.
- Details about the accident remain unclear, with officials saying the campaign disclosed the deaths via a statement and social posts on October 23, 2025.
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Report: Object detached from helicopter before crash that killed Illinois politician's son
The October crash killed pilot Zachary Bailey, son of Darren Bailey, the Trump-endorsed Republican running for Illinois governor. Zachary’s wife and two of their children were also killed.
·Omaha, United States
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Illinois Republican Candidate Running to Unseat Gov. Pritzker Suffers Horrific Family Tragedy
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 …
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Leaning Left50Leaning Right28Center136Last UpdatedBias Distribution64% Center
Bias Distribution
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64% Center
L 23%
C 64%
13%
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