The son, daughter-in-law and two grandchildren of Illinois Republican gubernatorial candidate Darren Bailey were killed in a helicopter crash, a statement posted to X by the Bailey campaign said.

"On Wednesday evening, Darren and his wife, Cindy, received the heartbreaking news no parent ever wants to hear," the statement began. "Their son, Zachary, his wife, Kelsey, and their two young children, Vada Rose, age 12, and Samuel, age 7, tragically lost their lives in a helicopter accident in Montana."

Bailey, a former Illinois state senator, has launched a campaign to challenge Democratic incumbent J.B. Pritzker for the gubernatorial election in 2026.

The statement went on to say that the Bailey's other grandson, Finn, age 10, was not on the helicopter and is safe.

"Darren and Cindy are h

See Full Page