An Illinois Republican candidate for governor choked up when remembering the day he was forced to tell his grandson that their family had died in a helicopter crash.
Darren Bailey returned to the campaign trail after stepping away in October following the fatal accident which killed his son Zach, 37, who was piloting a helicopter, his daughter-in-law, Kelsey, 35, and their two children, 12-year-old Vada Rose and 7-year-old Samuel.
The only member of the family not on the chopper when it went down in Montana was his 10-year-old grandson Finn.
The hopeful governor was in Freeport, Illinois, when he found out the devastating news. Bailey and his wife, Cindy, then rushed to inform their grandson.
The heartbroken grandpa described the shock on Finn’s face to ABC 7: ‘He just looked up, and he said, “Papa, what are you doing here?”‘
Bailey appeared emotional as he let out a deep sigh and continued remembering that terrible day.
‘I said, “Well, Grandma and I wanted to come out and see you. Come outside and get your shoes, and she’s waiting in the car for you.”
‘As soon as he opened the door and saw Cindy, he knew what was going on and just to watch those set of emotions that took place then. I’ll just never forget that.’
Bailey’s son Zachary and his wife Kelsey died alongside their daughter Vada Rose, 12, and son Samuel, 7. Their other son Finn [middle] was not aboard the helicopter
Bailey and Cindy will now be raising the orphaned boy with the help of other family members.
Finn was given a new puppy named Reagan, after his first pet dog was also killed in the crash.
The gubernatorial hopeful told the outlet that he is now using the tragedy as motivation to bring change to his state.
‘Well, it’s tough, and it has been life-changing. One of the biggest things that has taken place is just our renewed passion for life.’
Bailey added that he’s gained a more profound sense of compassion since this was the first time he’s lost someone very close to him, unexpectedly.
Bailey told NBC that losing his family has not only changed him but also his meaning behind his campaign: ‘I realized that the messaging, the priorities to me in Southeastern Illinois weren’t necessarily the same for all of Illinois.’
Bailey lost to incumbent Governor JB Pritzker by more than 12 points in 2022.
Bailey and his wife Cindy are seen here alongside three of their grand children, two of whom died in the crash
FAA data points to Zachary owning a five seater 2015 Robinson R66 Helicopter, seen here
That same year, he was endorsed by Donald Trump.
As Bailey was grieving, he received a call from Trump, who offered his condolences and a letter, which he plans to have framed for his grandson.
Bailey is a strong supporter of the president and backs his decisions on soybean tariffs and on using the National Guard to battle crime in Chicago.
The candidate regularly described the city as a ‘hellhole’ in 2022.
Bailey will be one of seven running for the Republican nomination.
He told ABC 7 that he is sorry if anyone thinks he’s trying to use this tragedy to help his campaign.
Zachary worked alongside his father and two brothers, Cole and Mason, at their family farm in Xenia, which primarily grows corn, soybeans, and wheat.
According to a website dedicated to the family farm, the siblings also run a freight company and a grain storage facility.
Bailey and Cindy also operate a private Christian school together.
FAA data indicated that Zachary owned a five-seater 2015 Robinson R66 Helicopter under his company, Bailey Aviation Management.
Bailey acknowledged his devastating family loss on social media in the aftermath of the accident.
A statement said: ‘On Wednesday evening, Darren and his wife, Cindy, received the heartbreaking news no parent ever wants to hear.
Bailey and Cindy will now be raising the orphaned boy with the help of other family members
Bailey is seen here alongside Donald Trump at a rally in Illinois in June of 2022
‘Their son, Zachary, his wife, Kelsey, and their two young children, Vada Rose, age 12, and Samuel, age 7, tragically lost their lives in a helicopter accident in Montana.
‘Their other grandson, Finn, age 10, was not on the helicopter and is safe. Darren 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.
‘The 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.’
Cindy reshared their joint statement to her own social media on Thursday which was quickly inundated with tributes.
One person said: ‘My heart is shattered for your family. We will be lifting your family up in prayer. I am so sorry, there are no words.’
Another added: ‘Cindy, my heart is broken for your family and especially for Finn right now. I’ve been up praying since I saw the news.
‘I cannot imagine what you all are going through. I am so sorry! Praying God sends comfort in the way only he can.’
