NEW: Prominent GOP Politician’s Family Members Die In Tragic Helicopter Crash
Illinois Republican gubernatorial candidate Darren Bailey revealed on Wednesday that his son, daughter-in-law, and two grandchildren have died in a tragic helicopter crash. Bailey and his wife, Cindy, announced the loss of their son Zachary, his wife, Kelsey, and the couple’s two children, Vada Rose, 12, and Samuel, 7, in a post published on social media.
A third child, Finn, was fortunately not in the helicopter and is alive and well, according to the statement.
“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,” Bailey’s campaign went on to say in a statement.
“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,” the statement added.
As of this writing, the cause of the helicopter crash remains unknown, and the National Transportation Safety Board is investigating. The crash occurred in Montana’s Carter County, located in the southeast corner of the state, along the border with South Dakota and Wyoming.
Bailey is running for the governorship of Illinois in a bid to oust current Democratic Gov. JB Pritzker. The Republican is a former state senator who lost the 2022 gubernatorial race to Pritzker.
During that race, Bailey received a death threat from a Chicago man. The suspect, Scott Lennox, 21, was eventually caught and charged with three felonies: threatening a public official, telephone harassment, and harassment by electronic communications.
Lennox allegedly left Bailey a voicemail saying he would “mutilate and kill” the GOP gubernatorial candidate. Illinois State Police later found out that Lennox had allegedly used a cellphone to make the threats against Bailey. Local law enforcement officials revealed that Lennox confessed to making the threats.
Pritzker put out a statement addressing the tragedy on his social media account on Thursday morning, saying, “MK (Pritzker’s wife) and I are devastated to learn of the tragic passing of Darren and Cindy Bailey’s son Zachary, daughter-in-law Kelsey, and their two young children Vada Rose and Samuel.”
Kathy Salvi, chairperson for the Illinois Republican Party, also issued a statement, saying, “The Illinois Republican Party is lifting up the Bailey family, their friends, and community in prayer as we grieve the tragic loss of Zachary, Kelsey, Vada Rose, and Samuel. Please join us in keeping the Bailey family in our thoughts and prayers during this unimaginable time.”
