Bailey Family Hosts Heartfelt Tribute for Four Victims of Tragic Helicopter Accident

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FLORA, Ill. (WCIA) — The Bailey family bid a heartfelt farewell to Zachary, Kelsey, Vada Rose, and Samuel Bailey during a somber ceremony on Sunday. The family tragically lost their lives in a helicopter crash in Montana.

While the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has yet to release further details about the accident, the close-knit community of Flora came together on Monday to pay tribute to the beloved family.

Community Support Pours in for Gubernatorial Candidate’s Family

In a season typically marked by the thrill of political campaigns, a shadow has been cast over Illinois’ gubernatorial race. This year, the usual buzz following candidate filings has been replaced with mourning.

“It’s unimaginable what the family is enduring and will continue to endure,” remarked Illinois House Minority Leader Tony McCombie, reflecting on the profound loss.

Earlier this month, tragedy struck when Darren Bailey’s son Zachary, his wife Kelsey, and their two young children perished in the helicopter crash in Montana.

On Monday the Bailey family focused on celebrating the lives of those they lost: Zachary, Kelsey, Vada Rose and Samuel.

“This hurts. I mean, this just hurts. And I am I am so, so sorry. And it’s okay for it to hurt,” Pastor Dusty Elmore of Journey Christian Church said.

Monday’s services were carried by the strong faith that the Bailey family shared. That faith is what drove Zachary to earn his pilot’s license. His family’s pastor, Tyler Sterchi, said Zach took to the skies to deliver aid to those in need.

“I think that if the Bailey’s wanted everyone in this room, and those even watching on the screen to know something, I think it would be this life is meant to be lived. With purpose and it is meant to be lived with passion,” Sterchi said.

The NTSB hasn’t shared any new information on what might have caused the crash that killed the Bailey family.

Questions also remain as to the future of the Bailey campaign. Bailey’s running mate Aaron Del Mar said any final decisions would come after services were held. But some of Bailey’s powerful political allies, including the president, are calling on him to continue.

“Not only were the condolences, but there were really strong words of support for running. And I think the president really has pushed, Darren, to continue on his fight for Illinois. He thinks that Darren is the candidate to really make a change,” said Del Mar.