Four Members of Politician's Family Killed in Tragedy

The National Transportation Safety Board has begun examining the circumstances surrounding the tragedy that claimed multiple lives.

On Wednesday evening, October 22, Illinois gubernatorial candidate Darren and his wife, Cindy Bailey, received the heartbreaking news that forever changed their lives. The couple learned of the devastating loss of their son and his family following a helicopter crash in Montana.

The Family's Unimaginable Loss

A statement from the Darren Bailey and Aaron Del Mar Campaign shed more light on the tragedy. It shared that Darren and Cindy's son, Zachary, his wife Kelsey, and their two young children, Vada Rose, 12, and Samuel, 7, lost their lives in a helicopter accident in Montana. Their other grandson, Finn, 10, is safe as he was not on board.

"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 campaign's statement read.

It continued, "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."

Zachary and his family, who helped operate the Baileys' fourth-generation farm in Xenia, Illinois, were in Montana for a farming convention. They traveled to the event in one of the family’s four-seater helicopters. Finn rode separately with a business partner because there wasn’t enough space on board — a circumstance that ultimately spared his life.

An Investigation Is Underway

The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) reported that the Robinson Helicopters R66 went down near Ekalaka, Montana. The Carter County Department of Emergency Services confirmed that law enforcement and first responders were dispatched at approximately 7:22 p.m. The NTSB is investigating the cause of the crash.

Aaron Del Mar, Darren’s running mate, said that Zachary — who went by Zach — was piloting the helicopter, with Kelsey in the front seat and their two children in the back.

"I'm heartbroken. I'm saddened. This is something that's never supposed to happen. My heart for the Bailey family and for our campaign and for the people of Illinois who have been touched by the Bailey family in one aspect or another, has just been- it's soul-crushing," said Aaron.

A Life Rooted in Faith and Service

Aaron described the Bailey family as a pillar of their Illinois community, noting that they own thousands of acres of farmland and regularly use helicopters for crop dusting. Darren has long managed the family's farming operations and a private Christian school, while Zachary and his brothers played key roles in running the farm.

After learning of the crash, Aaron helped arrange transportation for the Bailey family, and the gubernatorial campaign was temporarily suspended. "All we're trying to do is offer comfort to Darren and Cindy and their other children," said Aaron.

Aaron shared that he had been close with the Bailey family and had even flown with them in the same helicopter just six weeks earlier. Zachary used his pilot's license for both farm operations and his father's political campaigns. He frequently transported Darren and Aaron to campaign events across the state.

"We're in that helicopter for eight hours, going to each stop, and you chat and we get to know each other. And the way that he spoke with reverence for his father and his mom, not a lot of people have that. I hope one day that my children speak about me in that same way. He just was a good guy," Aaron recalled.

Aaron was also deeply impressed by how Zachary first became a helicopter pilot, earning his license 12 years ago. The Christian ministry organization he worked with taught him to fly so he could deliver food and medicine to people in developing countries across South America.

Aaron saw this as a reflection of his strong faith, service-oriented nature, and dedication to helping others. Zachary also served as a youth pastor.

Beyond their farm operations, the Bailey family has been deeply involved in community-building efforts. Aside from their Christian school, they founded a nutrition company and other ventures designed to support and uplift their neighbors in southern Illinois.

Aaron noted that the entire family has long been active in ministry and community service, describing their work as a testament to their care and compassion for those around them. He emphasized, "It's a very sad loss that we're feeling, not only in the Bailey family, the campaign, but the general community as well."

A Partnership Formed Through Forgiveness

Despite the close bond they now share, Aaron and Darren were once political rivals who, by Aaron's own account, did not get along until recently. In past election cycles, they had supported opposing candidates and publicly criticized one another.

It was only about three months ago that the two decided to set aside their past differences and join forces, putting personal and political divisions behind them to run together.

Their backgrounds also reflect the diversity of Illinois politics. Aaron grew up in Palatine, just outside Chicago, while Darren hails from downstate, in an area geographically closer to St. Louis and Kentucky than to the city.

An Outpouring of Support

Now, Aaron's focus is on supporting his running mate in any way possible. In the hours following the tragedy, members of the campaign team began assisting with funeral arrangements. They also coordinated efforts to bring the four family members home to Xenia, where all of Darren's children live within 15 minutes of their parents.

"The outpour of support and prayers is something I've never seen or been a part of. I was proud to be a part of this team and be a part of it," Aaron declared.

He reflected that the loss would have been devastating for any family. However, it carries particular weight given Darren's deep ties to the community and his longstanding commitment to serving the people of Illinois.

A Legacy of Love and Strength

Aaron noted that many details about the family's next steps remain uncertain, including what the future holds for Finn. However, he expressed confidence that the boy will grow up surrounded by love and support. He reflected on the lasting legacy Zach, Kelsey, and their children leave behind.

"I know the family at my core... There's a community and aunts and uncles and cousins that are going to protect and guide him as he grows. And that offers me a small amount of comfort for the tragic loss that we've had," he noted.

As for the future of the campaign, Aaron acknowledged that politics is not his current concern. His focus remains entirely on supporting the Bailey family as they navigate their loss. "I care about this family. They honored me by bringing me into their campaign and bringing me into the fold," he said.

Darren officially launched his campaign for the Republican nomination for Illinois governor in September, with Cook County Republican Party Chairman Aaron joining him as his running mate. The pair announced their campaign at the Drake Hotel in Oak Brook, marking the beginning of their bid for next year's election.

Aaron shared that Zachary had expressed an interest in following in his father's footsteps and pursuing a career in public service. Aaron now hopes that Finn will one day understand the legacy of dedication and integrity his father aspired to continue.