The National Transportation Safety Board has begun examining the circumstances surrounding the tragedy that claimed multiple lives.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
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<\/p>\n
The Family\u2019s Unimaginable Loss
\nA statement from the Darren Bailey and Aaron Del Mar Campaign shed more light on the tragedy. It shared that Darren and Cindy\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n
\u201cDarren 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,\u201d the campaign\u2019s statement read.<\/p>\n
It continued, \u201cThe 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.\u201d<\/p>\n
Zachary and his family, who helped operate the Baileys\u2019 fourth-generation farm in Xenia, Illinois, were in Montana for a farming convention. They traveled to the event in one of the family\u2019s four-seater helicopters. Finn rode separately with a business partner because there wasn\u2019t enough space on board \u2014 a circumstance that ultimately spared his life.<\/p>\n
An Investigation Is Underway
\nThe 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.<\/p>\n
According to Aaron Del Mar, Darren\u2019s running mate, Zachary \u2014 who went by Zach \u2014 was piloting the helicopter, with Kelsey in the front seat and their two children in the back.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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