Who Is Darren Bailey’s Wife Cindy Stortzum? Left With 3 Kids After Losing Son in Helicopter Crash

In a piece of sad news, Illinois Republican gubernatorial candidate Darren Bailey and his wife, Cindy Stortzum, received the most heartbreaking news of their lives. No parent would actually want to hear the same but it was on October 22, 2025 when the son of Darren and Cindy, Zachary along with his wife, Kelsey and their two young kids- Vada Rose, 12 and Samuel, 7 died in a Montana helicopter crash.

Darren had lost the 2022 gubernatorial election in Illinois and was seeking his party’s nomination. Darren served in the Illinois House and the Senate, and now he and his wife are heartbroken over the unimaginable loss. They are trying to find comfort in their faith, the prayers of people who love and care for them, and their family. However, who is Cindy who lost her son in the helicopter crash that took place on October 21, 2025 in a rural place of Montana.

Cindy Stortzum is now left behind with her only grandson

Cindy’s middle grandson, Finn, aged 10, had not boarded the helicopter with his parents and was reported safe. Cindy now just has her grandson, Finn, who will remind her of her late son, Zachary. He was piloting the helicopter when it crashed down, as reported by Darren Bailey’s running mate, Aaron Del Mar, who is also the spokesperson of the family. Cindy’s grandson, Finn, was not with the family on the business trip to Montana. Cindy has two more sons apart from Zaichary who used to help their dad run their farm located in the south central Illinosis.

Cindy Stortzum’s marriage to Darren Bailey has lasted for four decades

Cindy and Darren tied the knot in 1986, and for the past four decades, the pair has been together. There is little information available about Cindy’s early education or upbringing. However, Cindy has always been Darren’s supporter in the political field of her husband. She has often been seen with Darren at campaign and fundraising events. The private school run by Cindy is located in Louisville, which has its own trucking and farming operations. Cindy has a huge role, according to a report by Hindustan Times, in helping Darren shift from the business world to the Republican Illinois Senator, right from 2021 to 2023.

Cindy Stortzum has always given importance to Christian values

Cindy has always been rooted to her Christian values, family service along with raising four children. She had also helped with a private Christian school, which her husband, Darren, had founded. Cindy has always been faithful, grounded. She has never been someone who took the limelight and always liked to be behind the scenes. According to a report by the Chicago Tribune, Cindy puts her full attention to the Full Armor Christian Academy.

Cindy Stortzum is now a mother to three kids

Cindy does not have a public profile like her husband, and her late son, Zachary, had received his helicopter license years back. He always wanted to give medical supplies to people in third-world countries, and for that, he got motivated to get the license. Now after Cindy lost her son, Zachary she is just left with three kids and her multiple grandkids. However, according to a report by the Primetimer, Cindy has to muster the courage to tell her grandson, Finn, of what happened to his parents and siblings.

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