The National Transportation Safety Board has begun examining the circumstances surrounding the tragedy that claimed multiple lives.
On Wednesday evening, October 22, Illinois gubernatorial candidate Darren and his wife, Cindy Bailey, received the heartbreaking news that forever changed their lives. The couple learned of the devastating loss of their son and his family following a helicopter crash in Montana.
Republican gubernatorial candidate, state Senator Darren Bailey and wife Cindy Stortzum take the stage at an election-night party on June 28, 2022 in Effingham, Illinois | Source: Getty Images
The Family’s Unimaginable Loss
A statement from the Darren Bailey and Aaron Del Mar Campaign shed more light on the tragedy. It shared that Darren and Cindy’s son, Zachary, his wife, Kelsey, and their two young children, Vada Rose, 12, and Samuel, 7, lost their lives in a helicopter accident in Montana. Their other grandson, Finn, 10, is safe as he was not on board.
“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 campaign’s statement read.
It 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.”
Zachary and his family, who helped operate the Baileys’ fourth-generation farm in Xenia, Illinois, were in Montana for a farming convention. They traveled to the event in one of the family’s four-seater helicopters. Finn rode separately with a business partner because there wasn’t enough space on board — a circumstance that ultimately spared his life.
An Investigation Is Underway
The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) reported that the Robinson Helicopters R66 went down near Ekalaka, Montana. The Carter County Department of Emergency Services confirmed that law enforcement and first responders were dispatched at approximately 7:22 p.m. The NTSB is investigating the cause of the crash.
According to Aaron Del Mar, Darren’s running mate, Zachary — who went by Zach — was piloting the helicopter, with Kelsey in the front seat and their two children in the back.
