Celebration of life held for Darren Bailey's son, family killed in helicopter crash

Monday, November 3, 2025
CHICAGO (WLS) -- Monday marked a heartbreaking day for the family of Republican candidate for Illinois governor Darren Bailey.



Dozens joined to say their final goodbye to four family members killed in a helicopter crash

Bailey's son, Zachary; his wife, Kelsey; and their two young children, 12-year-old Vada Rose and 7-year-old Samuel, were killed in the helicopter crash in Montana.

Services begin on Sunday for the family of Darren Bailey that was killed in helicopter crash.



Their firstborn son, 10-year-old Finn, survives his family.



The celebration of life for the family was held at Oil Belt Christian Service Camp in Flora, Illinois.

Bailey and his running mate says they will likely pause campaign talk until after the funeral.

The National Transportation Safety Board said it was investigating the cause of the Wednesday crash of a Robinson Helicopters R66 in Ekalaka, Montana.

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