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Illinois gubernatorial candidate Darren Bailey’s campaign said Thursday that his son, Zachary, daughter-in-law, Kelsey, and their children, Vada Rose, 12, and Samuel, 7, were killed in a helicopter crash in Montana on Wednesday evening. A third grandchild, 10-year-old Finn, was not aboard and is safe. The family is leaning on faith and asking for privacy as they grieve, the statement said. Gov. JB Pritzker offered condolences on X. Bailey recently announced a 2026 run for governor after previously serving in the state legislature.

Prepared by Emily Rhodes and reviewed by editorial team.