Darren Bailey loses his son, daughter-in-law and grandchildren in a helicopter crash
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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.
Billy, 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. The statement said that the third child, Finn, was not on board the helicopter and is alive.
“Darren and Cindy are saddened by this unimaginable loss. They find comfort in their faith, family, and the prayers of so many who love and care about 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 embrace their loved ones during this difficult time,” the statement continued.
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Illinois gubernatorial candidate Darren Bailey delivers remarks after receiving an endorsement from Donald Trump during a “Save America” rally with former US 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 are still unknown. The National Transportation Safety Board announced Thursday that it is investigating a helicopter crash in Ikalaka, Montana. It is unclear if this is the same incident.
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Bailey is running to unseat Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker. He previously served as an Illinois state senator and lost the 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 He was accused of sending Billy a death threat. Scott Lennox, 21, was charged with three felony counts: threatening a public official, harassment by telephone, and harassment by electronic communications.
Lennox was accused of leaving a voicemail for Bailey threatening to “maim and kill” the Republican, according to the Chicago Sun-Times.
Darren Bailey will debate Governor J.B. Pritzker in 2022. (Ron Johnson/Illinois State University via AP, Pool)
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Illinois State Police discovered that Lennox used his cellphone to make threats, according to the Times. Chicago police said Lennox confessed to this Making threats.
Fox News’ Danielle Wallace contributed to this report.