The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) is investigating a fatal helicopter crash that occurred Wednesday night in Ekalaka, Montana, claiming the lives of four Southern Illinois residents. The victims have been identified as 37-year-old Zachary Bailey, his wife Kelsey Bailey 35, and two of their three children, 12-year-old, Vada Rose Bailey and 7-year-old, Samuel Bailey—all relatives of former Illinois State Senator and current candidate for Illinois Governor, Darren Bailey. The other child, 10-year-old Finn Bailey, did not accompany the rest of the family on the helicopter and is safe.
According to officials, Zachary Bailey was a registered helicopter pilot. The family was well known in the region, operating a business in Effingham and assisting with Bailey Family Farms in Louisville, Illinois.
The NTSB stated Thursday that the crash involved a Robinson Helicopters R66 in extreme eastern Montana near the North Dakota border. Several pieces of evidence are being reviewed as part of the ongoing investigation.
Memorial arrangements for the Bailey family are incomplete at this time. The tragedy has deeply affected the Southern Illinois community, where the family was recognized for their business and agricultural contributions.
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