Four Members of Politician’s Family Killed in Tragedy

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.

“I’m heartbroken. I’m saddened. This is something that’s never supposed to happen. My heart for the Bailey family and for our campaign and for the people of Illinois who have been touched by the Bailey family in one aspect or another, has just been- it’s soul-crushing,” said Aaron.

A Life Rooted in Faith and Service

Aaron described the Bailey family as a pillar of their Illinois community, noting that they own thousands of acres of farmland and regularly use helicopters for crop dusting. Darren has long managed the family’s farming operations and a private Christian school, while Zachary and his brothers played key roles in running the farm.

After learning of the crash, Aaron helped arrange transportation for the Bailey family, and the gubernatorial campaign was temporarily suspended. “All we’re trying to do is offer comfort to Darren and Cindy and their other children,” said Aaron.

Aaron shared that he had been close with the Bailey family and had even flown with them in the same helicopter just six weeks earlier. Zachary used his pilot’s license for both farm operations and his father’s political campaigns. He frequently transported Darren and Aaron to campaign events across the state.

“We’re in that helicopter for eight hours, going to each stop, and you chat and we get to know each other. And the way that he spoke with reverence for his father and his mom, not a lot of people have that. I hope one day that my children speak about me in that same way. He just was a good guy,” Aaron recalled.

Aaron was also deeply impressed by how Zachary first became a helicopter pilot, earning his license 12 years ago. The Christian ministry organization he worked with taught him to fly so he could deliver food and medicine to people in developing countries across South America.

Aaron saw this as a reflection of his strong faith, service-oriented nature, and dedication to helping others. Zachary also served as a youth pastor.

Beyond their farm operations, the Bailey family has been deeply involved in community-building efforts. Aside from their Christian school, they founded a nutrition company and other ventures designed to support and uplift their neighbors in southern Illinois.

Aaron noted that the entire family has long been active in ministry and community service, describing their work as a testament to their care and compassion for those around them. He emphasized, “It’s a very sad loss that we’re feeling, not only in the Bailey family, the campaign, but the general community as well.”

A Partnership Formed Through Forgiveness

Despite the close bond they now share, Aaron and Darren were once political rivals who, by Aaron’s own account, did not get along until recently. In past election cycles, they had supported opposing candidates and publicly criticized one another.