EFFINGHAM — Those in the Effingham community who knew Zachary Bailey and his family remember them as people of faith with a passion for fitness.
Bailey, who was the son of gubernatorial candidate Darren Bailey, died along with his wife, Kelsey, and children Vada Rose, 12, and Samuel, 7, in a helicopter crash in a remote area of eastern Montana Wednesday. Their 10-year-old son, Finn, was not on board the aircraft.
“Our hearts go out to the entire Bailey family during this incredibly difficult time,” Blake Schroedter posted on Effing Elite Fitness and Nutrition Facebook page Thursday.
Schroedter first met Zachary Bailey and his family in the fall of 2023 when they took over the building where his gym, Effing Elite Fitness, is located in Effingham. From the start, he said they were strong supporters of the gym, and the feeling was mutual after the couple launched their own Effingham business, Faithfully Fit Supplements and Nutrition, last year.
“We have over 150 members across Newton and Effingham, many of whom visited their store and got to know the family personally, which makes this loss especially painful,” said Schroedter. “We grew close with their kids over the years, and truly, any of the gyms in town that crossed paths with Zach and Kelsey would say the same. Incredible people who were on a mission to bring people together through faith and fitness. Their passion was unmatched.”
Schroedter noted their children were often seen helping customers – “a true reflection of the family’s warmth and values.”
Effingham Pelvic Health & Wellness owner Dr. April Ritz fondly remembers how their children were always polite when helping others in the store.
Ritz first met Kelsey Bailey two years ago and could instantly see she had true joy and hope.
“She was always so nice and bubbly. Kelsey and us had a shared passion for faith, family and fitness,” she said.
Ritz said Kelsey was super excited to be talking about protein and quality supplements at Effingham Pelvic Health’s upcoming Women’s Wellness event on Nov. 7. They will now be honoring her during the event.
“She was light to all those around her and will be missed in our community,” she said. “Our heart goes out to Finn and her extended family and friends.”