The son, daughter-in-law, and two grandchildren of Illinois governor candidate Darren Bailey were killed in a helicopter crash, his campaign announced Thursday.

Bailey’s campaign team reported the fatal accident in a statement posted on the social media platform X.

“On Wednesday evening, Darren and his wife, Cindy, received heartbreaking news that no parent ever wants to hear,” the statement said. “Their son, Zachary, his wife, Kelsi, and their two young children, 12-year-old Vada Rose and 7-year-old Samuel, were killed in a tragic helicopter crash in Montana.”

The statement also noted that Bailey’s other grandchild, 10-year-old Finn, was not on the helicopter and is safe.

Bailey had previously announced his candidacy for Illinois governor in the 2026 election as a Republican, challenging Democratic Governor J.B. Pritzker.

On Thursday morning, Pritzker expressed condolences to Bailey’s family.