(The Center Square) – Leaders on both sides of the political aisle are sending condolences to former state Sen. Darren Bailey’s family after four members died in a helicopter crash.
Bailey was the GOP nominee for governor in 2022 and is also running to get the Republican nomination in 2026. His campaign announced Thursday morning that Bailey’s son, daughter-in-law and two grandchildren died in a crash in Montana Wednesday night.
Bailey’s potential rival, Gov. J.B. Pritzker, said the news is devastating.
“I cannot imagine losing a child, losing two grandchildren, and what they must be going through, that’s all I can say,” Pritzker said.
House Minority Leader Tony McCombie, R-Savanna, said to pray for the family. She told The Center Square she just saw Bailey at a political event Wednesday evening.
“I just saw Darren and Cindy last night at an event in Freeport. And, you know, it’s just like that, you know, your life can change at the snap of a finger,” McCombie said. “So, you know, hug your loved ones, that’s for sure.”
McCombie said she is so sorry for the family’s loss.
“It’s terrible. I can’t even imagine how horrific this will be for the family to go through,” she said. “We are so very sorry. And that doesn’t even seem to be enough, right? Certainly. I know that they lead their life in prayer. So that I would certainly ask people lift Darren and Cindy and their entire family.”
Finn, Bailey’s 10-year-old grandson, was not in the helicopter and is safe.
Pritzker said he and the first lady are devastated.
“We’re devastated by it,” he said. “This is not a time for politics. It’s just a time to recognize that that, you know, losing a child is, I don’t know, one of the hardest things ever.”
ILGOP Chairman Kathy Salvi released a statement.
“The Illinois Republican Party is lifting up the Bailey family, their friends and community in prayer as we grieve the tragic loss Zachary, Kelsey, Vada Rose and Samuel,” Salvi said. “Please join us in keeping the Bailey family in our thoughts and prayers during this unimaginable time.”
The Bailey family requested privacy as they grieve.
