The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has initiated an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the tragic helicopter crash that claimed multiple lives. On the evening of Wednesday, October 22, Illinois gubernatorial candidate Darren Bailey and his wife, Cindy, received devastating news that would forever change their lives. They learned that their son and his family had died in a helicopter accident in Montana, leaving a profound void in their lives. According to a statement released by the Darren Bailey and Aaron Del Mar Campaign, Darren and Cindy’s son, Zachary Bailey, his wife Kelsey, and their two young children, 12-year-old Vada Rose and 7-year-old Samuel, perished in the crash.
Fortunately, their older son, 10-year-old Finn, was not on board and survived. The campaign statement expressed the family’s grief: “Darren and Cindy are heartbroken by this unimaginable loss. They are finding comfort in their faith, their family, and the prayers of those who love and care for them. 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 incredibly difficult time.” Zachary and his family were actively involved in running the Baileys’ fourth-generation farm in Xenia, Illinois. At the time of the tragedy, they were traveling to a farming convention in Montana using one of the family’s four-seater helicopters. Finn had traveled separately with a business partner because there was no room for him on the helicopter. This unfortunate logistical limitation ultimately saved his life.
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The NTSB Investigation
The NTSB confirmed that the Robinson Helicopters R66 went down near Ekalaka, Montana. Emergency responders were dispatched around 7:22 p.m., according to the Carter County Department of Emergency Services. The NTSB has since launched a formal investigation to determine the cause of the crash. Aaron Del Mar, Darren Bailey’s running mate, shared that Zachary was piloting the helicopter, with his wife Kelsey seated in the front and their two children in the back. Aaron described the loss as “soul-crushing” and expressed deep sorrow for the Bailey family, their campaign team, and the Illinois community who have been touched by the Baileys’ lives.
A Life of Faith and Service
Aaron Del Mar highlighted the Bailey family’s longstanding role in their community. They own thousands of acres of farmland and routinely use helicopters for crop-dusting and farm operations. Darren Bailey has long managed the family’s agricultural operations and runs a private Christian school, while Zachary and his brothers played significant roles in the farm’s daily management. Following the accident, Aaron assisted in arranging transportation for the Bailey family, and the gubernatorial campaign was temporarily paused to allow the family time to grieve.
Aaron recalled his personal connection with Zachary, noting that he had flown with him just six weeks prior to the crash. Zachary held a pilot’s license that he used both for farm operations and for assisting with his father and Aaron’s political campaigns. Aaron fondly remembered spending hours in the helicopter with Zachary, noting the respect and reverence Zachary consistently showed toward his parents. “He just was a good guy,” Aaron said, reflecting on Zachary’s character and dedication.
Zachary had earned his pilot’s license twelve years ago through a Christian ministry program that trained him to deliver food and medicine to communities in developing countries across South America. Aaron emphasized that this was indicative of Zachary’s faith, service-oriented nature, and commitment to helping others. Zachary also served as a youth pastor, further underscoring the family’s dedication to community and ministry work.
Beyond farming, the Baileys were involved in multiple community initiatives, including founding a nutrition company and other ventures designed to support and uplift residents in southern Illinois. Aaron described the family’s efforts as a reflection of their care and compassion for their neighbors and the wider community. He added, “It’s a very sad loss that we’re feeling, not only in the Bailey family, the campaign, but across the general community as well.”
Political Partnership and Personal Bonds
Despite the close bond Aaron now shares with Darren Bailey, the two were previously political rivals. In earlier election cycles, they publicly criticized each other and supported opposing candidates. It was only about three months ago that they decided to set aside their differences and join forces for the gubernatorial campaign. Their backgrounds also highlight the diversity of Illinois politics: Aaron grew up near Chicago in Palatine, while Darren hails from downstate Illinois, closer to St. Louis and Kentucky.
Community Support and Ongoing Grief
In the days following the crash, Aaron’s focus has been on supporting Darren Bailey and his family in any way possible. Campaign staff helped coordinate funeral arrangements and facilitated the return of the four family members to Xenia, Illinois, where Darren’s children live nearby. Aaron expressed profound admiration for the community’s response: “The outpouring of support and prayers is something I’ve never seen or been a part of. I’m proud to be a part of this team.”
Aaron also reflected on the legacy left by Zachary, Kelsey, and their children. While details about the family’s next steps remain uncertain, he is confident that Finn will grow up surrounded by love, guidance, and support from relatives and the wider community. “There’s a community of aunts, uncles, and cousins who will protect and guide him as he grows,” Aaron said, finding a small measure of comfort amid the tragedy.
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A Legacy to Inspire the Future
With the gubernatorial campaign on hold, Aaron emphasizes that politics is secondary to supporting the Bailey family through this loss. He noted Zachary’s aspiration to follow in his father’s footsteps in public service and expressed hope that Finn will one day understand and honor the family’s legacy of dedication, faith, and integrity. Darren Bailey officially launched his campaign for the Republican nomination in September, with Aaron Del Mar joining him as his running mate. Together, they now face the difficult task of continuing their campaign while navigating a personal and communal tragedy that has left an indelible mark on all who knew the Bailey family.
