Former Illinois state Sen. Darren Bailey has spoken publicly for the first time following the devastating helicopter crash on Oct. 22 that claimed the lives of his son, daughter-in-law, and two grandchildren.
Bailey — currently running for Illinois governor in the 2026 election — shared an emotional post on X on Wednesday, Oct. 29, alongside a photo of his late son, Zachary, and his family.
“Cindy and I are deeply grateful for the outpouring of love, prayers, and support our family has received,” he wrote. “The Bailey family — Zachary Adam, 37, Kelsey Danielle, 35, and their cherished children, Vada Rose, 12, and Samuel Isaac, 7 — of Xenia, Illinois, passed away on October 22, 2025, in Ekalaka, Montana. Their firstborn son, Finnley Tate, 10, survives, surrounded by loving family.”
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His post also announced the upcoming Celebration of Life service, asking that in lieu of flowers or gifts, memorial donations be made to a GoFundMe page for Finnley.
Bailey’s campaign had previously confirmed that Zachary, Kelsey, Vada Rose, and Samuel died when the helicopter Zachary was piloting crashed on their way home from a convention in Montana.
Aaron Del Mar, Bailey’s running mate and Cook County GOP Chairman, said he was deeply saddened by the loss. He recalled having flown with Zachary in the same helicopter just six weeks earlier while traveling for campaign stops.
“We were in that helicopter for eight hours, going to each stop, and you chat and really get to know each other,” Del Mar said. “The way he spoke with reverence for his father and his mom — not a lot of people have that. I hope one day my children speak about me the same way. He was just a good guy.”
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Del Mar described how Zachary had earned his helicopter license through a Christian ministry program that trained him to deliver food and medicine to people in need.
“That says so much about his character,” he added. “It shows how he was a servant leader — committed to faith and helping others. The Bailey family is truly grounded in faith and family.”
Beyond their family farm in Xenia, the Baileys also founded a community Christian school, a nutrition company, and several local initiatives to support southern Illinois residents.
“The entire family is deeply involved in ministry and service,” Del Mar noted. “This is a tragedy no matter who it happens to, but given all they’ve done for their community and state, it hits even harder.”
As for young Finnley — who survived because the helicopter had only four seats — Del Mar said the family was still coping and making arrangements, but that he would be surrounded by care and love.
“There’s an everlasting legacy that Zach and his family are leaving,” he said. “Their community, aunts, uncles, and cousins will protect and guide Finnley as he grows. That brings a small measure of comfort amid such heartbreaking loss.”
Following the crash, the campaign team shifted focus entirely to supporting the Baileys.
“Right now, I don’t care about politics,” Del Mar emphasized. “I care about this family. They welcomed me into their lives, and that’s what matters.”
He added that Zachary had hoped to follow his father into politics one day.
“I think Zach was going to follow in his father’s footsteps,” Del Mar said. “And I hope Finnley knows that.”
