Overview
- Bailey’s campaign identified the victims as his son Zachary, daughter-in-law Kelsey, and grandchildren Vada Rose, 12, and Samuel, 7, while 10-year-old Finn was not aboard and is safe.
- The NTSB said it is investigating a helicopter crash in eastern Montana near Ekalaka, with local authorities reporting the aircraft went down southwest of the town Wednesday evening.
- Reports differed on the precise site, with state patrol citing Carter County near Ekalaka and a campaign spokesperson describing a crash near Baker in neighboring Fallon County, as the cause remains unknown.
- Aaron Del Mar, Bailey’s running mate, said he was told Zachary was operating the helicopter, a detail not yet confirmed by investigators.
- Condolences came from across the political spectrum, including Gov. JB Pritzker, while the Bailey family requested privacy as the candidate, who launched a 2026 bid last month, mourns.