Helicopter Crash Claims Lives of Four
A devastating helicopter crash in Montana has claimed the lives of four members of Illinois Republican gubernatorial candidate Darren Bailey’s family. The victims include his son, Zachary Bailey, 34, his daughter-in-law, Kelsey Bailey, 33, and their two young children, Vada Rose, 12, and Samuel, 7.
According to a statement released by Bailey’s campaign, the family received the heartbreaking news on Wednesday evening. The couple’s third grandchild, 10-year-old Finn, was not on the helicopter and is safe with family members.
The crash occurred in Carter County, Montana, near the borders of South Dakota and Wyoming. Local emergency responders and federal aviation officials arrived at the site shortly after midnight, but the exact cause of the crash remains under investigation by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).
Details of the Crash
While the investigation is ongoing, preliminary reports indicate that the helicopter went down in a rural area of southeastern Montana, complicating recovery and investigation efforts. The FAA and NTSB are expected to release a preliminary report within 7-10 days, with a final report likely to take several months.
Community Reaction*l
The tragic loss has deeply affected the communities where the Baileys have been active. Local clergy and residents have gathered to offer prayers and condolences, describing the Baileys as “pillars of faith and family.” Illinois Senate Minority Leader John Curran called the accident “unimaginable and heartbreaking.
Investigation and Response
The Bailey campaign has announced that funeral and memorial arrangements will be made at a later date, once the family has had time to grieve. In lieu of flowers, the family has requested donations to local youth charities and church outreach programs, continuing their tradition of community service. Governor J.B. Pritzker and other state officials have extended their condolences to the Bailey family, emphasizing the magnitude of their loss.
The tragedy has drawn attention beyond Illinois, with Republican and Democratic leaders alike posting messages of support. The Illinois Republican Party has suspended public campaign events this week in honor of the family.
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