'Hardest Year Of Our Lives': Gubernatorial Candidate Bailey Reflects On Family's Loss

CHICAGO — Nearly a year after a helicopter crash killed his son, daughter-in-law and two grandchildren, Darren Bailey said Wednesday that his family continues to navigate grief while finding comfort in their faith, the kindness of strangers and milestones reached by his surviving grandson.

In a video released on his social media accounts, the Illinois Republican gubernatorial candidate thanked people who have checked on him, his wife, Cindy, and their grandson, Finn, since the Oct. 22, 2025, crash.

"This has been the hardest year of our lives, but through it all, God has been faithful, and Cindy and I have seen the very best of Illinois," Bailey said on X.

RELATED: Darren Bailey Staying In IL Governor’s Race Following Family Tragedy

Zachary Adam Bailey, 37; his wife, Kelsey Danielle Bailey, 35; and their children, Vada Rose, 12, and Samuel Isaac, 7, died in the crash near Ekalaka, Montana. Their son, Finnley Tate Bailey, then 10, was not aboard the helicopter.

Bailey said there has not been a day when he and Cindy have not thought about the four family members they lost. He described strangers stopping them on the street to offer prayers and people continuing to ask how Finn is doing.

"Those prayers, that love, and that kindness have carried us through some of our darkest days," he said.

A Milestone For Finn

Bailey said Finn is living with his aunt Abby and uncle Matt, surrounded by their children and his cousins. He described his grandson as growing, laughing and doing well in school.

Recently, Finn came home with an announcement: He had decided to run for student council. He won and now serves as the council's secretary.

"We are so proud of him, and we know that his mom and dad would be so proud of him too," Bailey said.

The family also is committed to keeping his parents' memory close as he grows up.

"I promise you, Finn will grow up knowing exactly who his mom and dad were, and just how much they loved him," Bailey said.

Remembering A Day With His Son

Bailey recalled the first day of his current campaign for governor, when Zach flew him and others around Illinois. He remembered spending that day together discussing the future, unaware that the family would face such a loss just weeks later.

Zach and Kelsey loved Illinois, worked hard and wanted their children to have every opportunity, he said.

"I'd give anything to have another day like that with our son, but I'm so thankful for the time that God gave us together," Bailey said.

Bailey paused his campaign after the crash before announcing in November 2025 that he would continue following prayer and conversations with his family. A former state senator and state representative, he also was the Republican nominee for governor in 2022.

With this year's election less than three weeks away, Wednesday’s message focused on the people his family lost and those helping them move forward.

Bailey said faith has sustained the family through days they never imagined facing, including mornings when he wishes he could call Zach or embrace his loved ones again. He closed by thanking people for remembering Zach, Kelsey, Vada Rose and Samuel, and for continuing to pray for Finn.

"Please never take a single day with the people that you love for granted," Bailey said.

Related Coverage

• Bailey Addresses Helicopter Crash That Killed Son, Daughter-In-Law, Grandchildren