The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has officially launched an investigation into the circumstances surrounding a heartbreaking tragedy that has left a prominent Illinois family and community in deep shock and mourning.
On the evening of Wednesday, October 22, Illinois gubernatorial candidate Darren Bailey and his wife, Cindy Stortzum Bailey, were confronted with devastating news that would forever change their lives. The couple learned of the sudden and tragic death of their son, Zachary Bailey, along with his wife, Kelsey, and their two young children, Vada Rose, 12, and Samuel, 7, following a helicopter crash in Montana. Thankfully, their other grandson, Finn, 10, survived the incident, as he was not on board the helicopter during the ill-fated flight.
A Family Shattered by Tragedy
A statement from the Darren Bailey and Aaron Del Mar campaign provided further details about the accident and the family’s immense loss. According to the statement, Zachary and his family, who had been deeply involved in helping operate the Baileys’ fourth-generation farm in Xenia, Illinois, were in Montana to attend a farming convention. The family typically relied on one of their four-seater helicopters for travel, and it was on this flight that the tragedy occurred. Finn, who had to ride separately with a business partner due to limited space, was spared from the crash — a twist of fate that ultimately saved his life.
“Darren and Cindy are heartbroken by this unimaginable loss,” the statement read. “They are finding solace in their faith, their family, and the prayers and support of so many who love and care for them.” The statement also emphasized the family’s gratitude for the outpouring of kindness they have received while asking for privacy during this difficult time.
The Incident
According to the NTSB, the helicopter involved was a Robinson Helicopter R66, which went down near Ekalaka, Montana. The Carter County Department of Emergency Services confirmed that law enforcement and first responders were dispatched to the scene around 7:22 p.m. local time. The NTSB has initiated a full investigation to determine the cause of the crash. Aaron Del Mar, Bailey’s running mate, reported that Zachary — known to friends and family as Zach — was piloting the helicopter, with Kelsey seated in the front and their two children in the back.
“I am heartbroken. I am utterly saddened,” said Aaron. “This is something that should never happen. My heart goes out to the Bailey family, our campaign, and to the people of Illinois who have been touched by this family. It is absolutely soul-crushing.”
A Family Steeped in Faith and Service
Aaron painted a picture of the Bailey family as pillars of the Illinois community. The Baileys own thousands of acres of farmland and regularly use helicopters for crop dusting and farm operations. Darren Bailey has long managed the family’s agricultural operations as well as a private Christian school. Zachary and his siblings played essential roles in running the farm, contributing their time and expertise to ensure the family business thrived.
Aaron recounted his personal relationship with Zachary, sharing that he had flown alongside him in the same helicopter just six weeks prior. Zachary’s piloting skills were frequently utilized for both farm operations and political campaigning, often transporting Darren and Aaron to various campaign stops across the state. “We were in that helicopter for eight hours, visiting multiple stops. You chat, you get to know each other, and he spoke with a level of reverence for his parents that is rare. I hope one day my own children speak about me in the same way. He was truly a remarkable person,” Aaron said.
Aaron also highlighted Zachary’s journey to becoming a licensed helicopter pilot twelve years ago, emphasizing his dedication to service. Zachary had trained with a Christian ministry organization to deliver food and medical supplies to remote areas in South America, demonstrating his commitment to helping others. Beyond his work on the farm, Zachary also served as a youth pastor, reflecting his faith-driven approach to life and his community.
The Bailey family’s community engagement extended far beyond farming. They established a Christian school, founded a nutrition company, and spearheaded several other ventures designed to support and uplift their neighbors. Aaron stressed that the family’s ongoing involvement in ministry and charitable work reflected a legacy of care and compassion for those around them. “It’s a very sad loss, felt not just by the Bailey family, but by the campaign team and the wider community,” Aaron remarked.
Political Allies and Partnerships
Despite a shared commitment to public service, Aaron and Darren had previously been political rivals, often supporting opposing candidates and publicly criticizing one another in past election cycles. Approximately three months ago, they decided to set aside their differences, joining forces to run together for the Illinois gubernatorial election. Their partnership symbolized unity and reconciliation in the often-divided arena of Illinois politics. While Aaron hails from Palatine, near Chicago, Darren comes from downstate Illinois, closer to St. Louis and Kentucky — a contrast that reflects the state’s geographic and cultural diversity.
Support and Community Response
In the wake of the tragedy, Aaron’s primary focus has been providing unwavering support to Darren and his family. The campaign team assisted with funeral arrangements and coordinated efforts to return the four family members to Xenia, ensuring that Darren’s other children were close to their grieving parents. Aaron described the overwhelming support from the community and campaign team as “something I have never seen before or been a part of. I am proud to be part of this team.”
He reflected on the magnitude of the loss, emphasizing that while any family would feel devastated under such circumstances, the impact was even more profound given Darren Bailey’s longstanding ties to his community and his decades-long dedication to public service.
A Legacy of Love and Dedication
Looking ahead, many details remain uncertain, particularly concerning Finn’s future. Nevertheless, Aaron expressed confidence that the young boy will grow up surrounded by love and support, carrying forward the legacy of the family he narrowly survived. Zachary, Kelsey, and their children leave behind a profound legacy of service, faith, and dedication to others — values that have shaped their lives and the lives of those they touched.
Darren officially launched his campaign for the Republican nomination for Illinois governor in September, announcing Aaron Del Mar as his running mate at the Drake Hotel in Oak Brook. Their joint campaign marked a historic partnership, highlighting both personal reconciliation and political collaboration. Aaron shared that Zachary had expressed interest in following in his father’s footsteps into public service, and he hopes that Finn will one day recognize the dedication, integrity, and love exemplified by his family.