Mayor-President Office Manager Killed in Early Morning Crash on I-12

According to police reports, Pillette was driving a 2014 Lincoln MKZ when her vehicle collided with the rear tire of a 2018 Jeep Wrangler. The collision caused the Lincoln to veer off the roadway and strike a tree before being engulfed in flames. Pillette was pronounced dead at the scene.

Mayor-President Office Manager Killed in Early Morning Crash on I-12
Simone Pillette. Photo courtesy of the Mayor-President's office

BATON ROUGE, La. — Baton Rouge Police Department’s Traffic Homicide detectives are investigating a fatal crash that claimed the life of Simone Pillette, the Office Manager for Mayor-President Sharon Weston Broome. The incident occurred around 1 a.m. on August 18 along I-12 eastbound.

According to police reports, Pillette was driving a 2014 Lincoln MKZ when her vehicle collided with the rear tire of a 2018 Jeep Wrangler. The collision caused the Lincoln to veer off the roadway and strike a tree before being engulfed in flames. Pillette was pronounced dead at the scene. The investigation is ongoing.

In a statement, Mayor-President Broome expressed her profound sadness over Pillette's passing. "With deep sorrow, I share the news of the passing of Simone Pillette, a dedicated public servant and beloved member of our team," Broome said. "Simone was the heartbeat of our office. Her presence lit up the room, and her love for God guided her interactions with grace and compassion."

"She was a beautiful and caring person who brought positive energy to everyone around her," Broome continued. "Simone will be deeply missed, but her legacy will continue to inspire us as we move forward."

The Baton Rouge community mourns the loss of Pillette, who left a lasting impact on her colleagues and the citizens she served.