Four family members of Illinois gubernatorial candidate, Darren Bailey, have died in a helicopter crash, the campaign has announced.

Bailey's son, Zachary, his wife, Kelsey, and two of their children were killed in Wednesday's accident in Ekalaka, Montana.

The candidate named his two grandchildren who died as Vada Rose, age 12, and Samuel, seven. The couple is survived by their third child, a 10-year-old boy, who was not aboard the aircraft.

Bailey and his wife, Cindy, are "heartbroken by this unimaginable loss" and request "privacy as they grieve and hold their loved ones close during this difficult time", the campaign said.

"They are finding comfort in their faith, their family, and the prayers of so many who love and care for them," the statement added.

Bailey, a grain farmer, is running for governor of Illinois as a Republican, and the election will take place next year.

He previously ran for governor in 2022, losing to Democrat JB Pritzker in a race that drew attention for the tens of millions of dollars in donations and spending from both sides.

Bailey appeared at a campaign rally with Donald Trump in June of that year and received his endorsement.

His 2024 campaign for the US House of Representatives was also unsuccessful.

Bailey previously served in both houses of the Illinois state legislature, representing parts of southern Illinois.

Pritzker said he and his wife were "devastated" by the news of Bailey's loss.

"Our prayers and deep condolences are with the Baileys in this time of grief," he wrote in a statement on X.

"May the memories of their loved ones be a blessing." (BBC, but headline rejigged)

• A photo posted by Illinois gubernatorial candidate Darren Bailey’s campaign shows the four family members killed in the helicopter crash in Montana on Wednesday (From Darren Bailey Campaign)