Darren Bailey’s family tragedy: Helicopter crash claims son, daughter-in-law, grandkids

A helicopter crash in Montana claimed the lifes of the son, daughter-in-law, and two grandchildren of Illinois's Republican gubernatorial candidate Darren Bailey on Wednesday, his wife Cindy and him announced on social media. The victims were recognized as Zachary Bailey (son), Kelsey Bailey (daughter-in-law), and their children Vada Rose, 12, and Samuel, 7. The couple's third child, Finn. didn't join the family on the trip and was hence declared safe.

A third child, Finn, was not in the helicopter and is safe. Bailey’s campaign said, "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 statement 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", as per the report by The Fox News.

Helicopter crash investigation

The cause of the helicopter crash is not yet known. Their is uncertainty about who is investigating the crash as National Transportation Safety Board did say on Thursday it is investigating a helicopter crash in Ekalaka, Montana, but refused to share the details, making it unclear if it is the same crash.

Darren Bailey is one of the favorites to succeed JB Pritzker as governor of Illinois as he readies himself to pit himself against him in the upcoming elections. Bailey, a former state senator from Illinois, lost a gubernatorial race to Pritzker in 2022 and but will go against incumbent again. Bailey himself recived a death threat during his 2022 campaign, by a Chicago man named Scott Lennox, 21, as per the report Chicago Sun Times.


Lennox faced three felony charges: threatening a public official, telephone harassment, and harassment by electronic communications. He allegedly left Bailey a voicemail threatening to "mutilate and kill" him. Illinois State Police said Lennox used his cellphone to make the threats, and Chicago police reported that he admitted to making them.

FAQs

Q1. What happened to Darren Bailey’s family in Montana?

Darren Bailey’s son, daughter-in-law, and two grandchildren died in a helicopter crash in Montana.

Q2. Is Darren Bailey safe and what about his other child?

Darren Bailey and his wife are safe, and their third child, Finn, was not in the helicopter and is alive.