Family of mayor’s office employee killed in crash aims to continue her legacy with foundation

Editor’s note: The spelling of Simone Pillette’s name has been corrected. We apologize for the error.

BATON ROUGE, La. (BRPROUD) – Family members and community members are mourning the loss of Simone Pillette, the office manager of the East Baton Rouge’s mayor’s office who lost her life in a deadly crash on Sunday.

“She just was, wow. A real public servant,” said Raven Miller, the mother of Simone Pillete, as she describes her daughter.

According to BRPD, Pillette was driving on 1-12 eastbound on Sunday when her driver’s side tire collided with the rear tire of another car . Her car veered off the road and struck a tree, then caught on fire, leaving her dead on scene.

“It’s barely real. You know, this is unimaginable,” Miller said.

Miller describes her daughter as someone reliable, committed, ambitious and someone who was actively involved in her hometown of Abbeville and the Baton Rouge community. She also emphasizes Pillette’s love for her family and to help others.

“It’s just rare to find someone that possesses inside what you see on the outside. It is remarkable. But this experience of losing her makes it hard,” she said.

Following her death, the community is outpouring with a lot of love especially those in the city of Baton Rouge.

She recalls Pillette being heavily involved growing up and also at Southern University where she attended college. Miller said the legacy of her daughter will live on, and she’s in the works of a foundation that will help with scholarships and inclusion.

“Simone believed everyone should be involved,” she said. “She’d want all kids to be able to participate in things. She wouldn’t want money to be a reason they can’t. And so in addition to regular scholarships at schools in her memory, I’d love to sponsor kids for other activities. I’m talking in all communities, statewide.”

Miller adds that she wants the foundation to help all around the state but will focus on Abbeville and Baton Rouge. As the foundation is in the works, Miller sends out a message of gratitude.

“Thank you from the bottom of my heart. You sustained me,” she said.

The upcoming foundation in memory of Pillette is already taking donations. If you would like to donate and help the family, contact Miller at Miller@matthewslaw.net or 337-251-3036.

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