It was an evening that shattered the lives of an entire family and left a community in mourning. On Wednesday, October 22, Illinois gubernatorial candidate Darren Bailey and his wife, Cindy, received a call no parent should ever have to answer. Their son, Zachary Bailey, his wife Kelsey, and their two young children, 12-year-old Vada Rose and 7-year-old Samuel, had perished in a devastating helicopter crash in Montana.
The news spread quickly, sending shockwaves through both the Bailey campaign and their hometown of Xenia, Illinois. The tragedy struck not only a political figure but a family known for their faith, community service, and deep roots in agriculture. The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) soon confirmed that it had launched a full investigation into the crash.
In a statement released by the Darren Bailey and Aaron Del Mar Campaign, the family expressed unspeakable sorrow. “Darren and Cindy are heartbroken by this unimaginable loss,” the statement read. “They are finding comfort in their faith, their family, and the prayers of those who love and care for them.” The Baileys also requested privacy as they grieved, thanking the public for their compassion and support.
Among the grief, one miracle stood out — their 10-year-old grandson, Finn, survived because he wasn’t on the flight. He had traveled separately with a business partner after the family helicopter ran out of space. It was a decision that, by chance, saved his life and left him as the sole surviving member of his immediate family.
The aircraft, identified as a Robinson R66, went down near Ekalaka, Montana. Emergency responders rushed to the scene around 7:22 p.m., but there were no survivors aboard. The NTSB has since begun piecing together the events leading up to the accident to determine whether weather, mechanical issues, or pilot error played a role.
Darren’s running mate, Aaron Del Mar, described the loss as “soul-crushing.” He confirmed that Zachary had been piloting the helicopter, with Kelsey seated beside him and the two children in the back. “This is beyond devastating,” Aaron said. “Zachary was a good man, a faithful husband, and a loving father. It’s a loss that words can’t describe.”
For the Baileys, flying was part of life. Their family owned thousands of acres of farmland, often using helicopters for crop-dusting and travel related to agricultural work. Zachary was an experienced pilot, having earned his license twelve years earlier. His skills were often used not just for farm operations but also for volunteer missions and campaign work.
Aaron recalled that he had flown with Zachary just weeks before the crash. “He was always cautious, always focused,” he said. “He treated flying with respect and reverence.” The two had bonded during their campaign travels, with Aaron calling Zachary’s death “a wound that will never fully heal.”
Faith was at the heart of the Bailey family. Darren and Cindy, deeply religious, run a private Christian school in Illinois, while Zachary himself served as a youth pastor. His pilot training originally began through a Christian ministry that helped deliver food and medicine to remote areas of South America. Those who knew him said his faith guided everything he did.
In addition to farming, the Baileys had built a reputation for generosity. They co-founded local businesses and community initiatives focused on health, nutrition, and family welfare. Aaron said, “The Bailey family’s impact goes far beyond politics. They’ve always been about helping people.”
The tragedy struck during what was supposed to be a routine trip to a farming convention in Montana. The family’s four-seat helicopter had become a familiar sight in the skies over Illinois. Zachary often flew with his children, teaching them about aviation and the family business. That the same aircraft would bring such heartbreak feels unbearable to those who loved them.
Following the crash, Darren Bailey immediately suspended his campaign. Political concerns vanished in the shadow of grief. Aaron helped arrange transportation for the Bailey family to Montana and coordinated the return of the victims to their hometown. “Right now, politics doesn’t matter,” he said quietly. “What matters is love, faith, and family.”
The story of Darren and Aaron’s partnership adds another layer of humanity to this tragedy. Once political rivals, the two men had debated fiercely in past elections before reconciling just months ago to run together. Aaron, from Chicago’s suburbs, and Darren, from downstate Illinois, represented two very different parts of the state — united now not by ambition, but by shared sorrow.
Back home in Xenia, the outpouring of support has been overwhelming. Neighbors, church groups, and strangers alike have offered meals, donations, and prayers. Vigils have been held in town squares and churches across southern Illinois. “It’s the kind of love you only see when a community loses one of its own,” Aaron said.
Funeral arrangements for Zachary, Kelsey, Vada, and Samuel are being handled locally, with the family expected to be laid to rest near the Bailey farm. Volunteers have been working around the clock to support the family, while Finn, the lone survivor, remains surrounded by his grandparents and extended relatives.
Aaron said that Finn’s future will be filled with guidance and care. “There’s a large family and a strong community that will make sure he never feels alone,” he added. “He will grow up knowing his parents and siblings were deeply loved.”
The Baileys’ tragedy has reminded many across Illinois that even those in the public eye face unimaginable loss. Messages of condolence have poured in from both political allies and opponents, emphasizing unity in a time of grief.
For Darren Bailey, a man of faith and service, this moment marks the hardest chapter of his life. Known for his resilience, he continues to find strength in prayer. Friends say he’s been holding tightly to the Bible, drawing comfort from scripture and the belief that his family is at peace.
As the NTSB investigation continues, no answers can ease the ache of loss. But for those who knew the Baileys, their legacy of faith, kindness, and perseverance will not be forgotten. They lived with purpose, gave selflessly, and loved deeply — leaving a mark on every life they touched.
Aaron Del Mar summed it up best: “Zachary’s life was short, but it was full of meaning. He served God, his family, and his community with everything he had. That’s how he’ll be remembered.”
Now, as Illinois mourns and a campaign pauses, one truth remains — love endures beyond tragedy. And though their helicopter may have fallen from the sky, the Baileys’ legacy continues to soar in the hearts of all who knew them.