LOCAL

Candlelight Vigil Planned to Honor Mayor’s Office Staffer Killed in Tragic Car Accident

Ivory D. Payne

Aug 22, 2024 — 1 min read

Candlelight vigil is set for this Friday to honor Simone Pillette

BATON ROUGE — A candlelight vigil is set for this Friday to honor Simone Pillette, a dedicated staffer in the East Baton Rouge Mayor-President's Office who tragically lost her life in a car accident.

Pillette, 26, was involved in a fatal crash early Sunday morning on I-12 eastbound. Baton Rouge Police reported that her vehicle collided with the rear tire of a Jeep, causing her car to veer off the road, strike a tree, and catch fire.

Pillette served as the Office Manager for Mayor-President Sharon Weston Broome and was actively involved in the Mayor’s Advisory Council on Veterans Affairs.

"We are heartbroken by the loss of such a bright light within our office," Mayor Broome said in a statement. "Simone was not only a cherished colleague but also a dear friend. Her passion and dedication to her work and the people she served will continue to inspire us all. We will carry her memory forward as we honor the impact she had on our community."

The vigil will take place at 7 p.m. behind Baton Rouge City Hall on Friday, August 23. Information regarding support for Pillette's family has been made available through the Mayor’s Office.

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