Tragic Helicopter Crash In Montana Takes Four Lives Including Family

A helicopter crash in the south-eastern corner of Montana resulted in the death of four people on Wednesday, according to multiple news outlets, including NBC. The crash occurred near Ekalaka, MT, taking the lives of two adults and two children.

Zachary Bailey, his wife, Kelsey, and their two young children, Vada Rose, age 12, and Samuel, age 7, perished in the crash. The family has one surviving son, Finn, age 10, who was not on board the aircraft at the time.

It's unclear at this time if the family was flying over Montana for recreational purposes, business, or en route to another destination.

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The son of Illinois' gubernatorial candidate.

Bailey is the son of Illinois Congressman Darren Bailey, who is currently campaigning for Governor of Illinois. Zachary reportedly flew helicopters frequently on their family farm and, more recently, for his father's campaign.

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Bailey was piloting a Robinson R66 helicopter.

According to the manufacturer, the helicopter can be configured as a four or five-seater, and is "renowned for its reliability, great value, ease of maintenance, and low operating costs." A crash investigation is underway.