Family of Illinois' govenor candidate killed in a plane crash. Thoughts?

[Cubus]

Four family members of a Republican running for governor in Illinois, Darren Bailey were killed in a Montana helicopter crash, his campaign said Thursday. Killed in the crash were Bailey’s son, Zachary, his wife, Kelsey, and their two young children, Vada Rose, 12, and Samuel, 7, died in the crash, his campaign said in a statement. The couple’s third child was not on the helicopter.

“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 statement said.

Republican politician Darron Bailey, coming from the southern Illinois town of Xenia served single, two-year terms in both the Illinois House and Senate, before becoming the Republican candidate for governor of Illinois in 2022. He lost to incumbant Democratic governor JB Pritzker. In 2024 he run a primary challenge to Republican representative Mike Bost in Illinois' 12th congressional district (that covers most of the southern Illinois), losing to Bost. Bailey said he plans to run for governor again in 2026.

Illinois GOP Chair Kathy Salvi said in a statement that the party is grieving the tragic loss. “Please join us in keeping the Bailey family in our thoughts and prayers during this unimaginable time,” the statement said.

Source: https://www.politico.com/news/2025/10/23/darren-bailey-illinois-crash-helicopter-00619907

[Gwendoline]

I feel for them🙏 can't see him running though. Bereavement like this has a way of breaking people inside.

[beefcakebradybatson]

Horrid. The loss of two young children worsens that tragedy.

[OlderAndWiser]

If it’s more than just a coincidence. . . we’ll never know.

[loveslongnails]

I don't understand why this is any more or less tragic, or noteworthy, than the hundreds of accidental deaths that happen to "ordinary" people every day which we never hear about? Why is this worth posting about?

[beefcakebradybatson]

Children are involved.

[loveslongnails]

@beefcakebradybatson So what? Children are involved in tragedies every day and we don't hear about them. Why should I give a "bigger shit" that it's some politician over anyone else?

[beefcakebradybatson]

ALL life is precious, but children's even more so because the loss to their family and society is immeasurable.

[loveslongnails]

@beefcakebradybatson You're evading the point entirely. Your post isn't about children. If it were, you'd have been posting long ago about the children involved every day. This is political bullshit.

[beefcakebradybatson]

EVERYTHING is political BS, but compassionate folk are truly aggrieved when innocent children lose their life.

[loveslongnails]

@beefcakebradybatson oh blow me. You CHOSE a politician's family tragedy when you could have chosen any thing in the world. Playing the compassion card now? Really? You've lost all credibility.

[beefcakebradybatson]

At least I have compassion.

[loveslongnails]

@beefcakebradybatson Believe what you like. The fact that you posted this on GAG is not proof of anything other than your choice to post about a politically charged tragedy versus the hundreds of tragedies that occur to "regular people" all over the world, every day. But if it makes you feel better about yourself, go ahead, reach up and pat your little head. To the contrary, I believe you motivation is political, and you're trolling.

[Sal_Monella]

It is tragic.

[noohair]

Very sad...