BATON ROUGE, Louisiana (WAFB) – Baton Rouge Police Department traffic and homicide detectives are investigating a fatal traffic crash that occurred around 1 a.m. on August 18 on I-12 eastbound.

Simone Pillette, the office manager of Mayor Sharon Weston Broome, was killed in the crash.

According to BRPD, Pillette was killed when the 2014 Lincoln MKZ she was driving collided with the rear tire of a 2018 Jeep Wrangler. The Lincoln then left the roadway, struck a tree and burst into flames, officials say. Authorities say Pillette died at the scene. The investigation is ongoing.

Mayor Broome’s office released the following statement:

“It is with deep sadness that I share the news of the passing of Simone Pillette, a dedicated public servant and valued member of our team. As our Office Manager, Simone was the heart of our office. She was a dedicated leader, fielded many requests from our constituents, and played an important role on the Mayor’s Advisory Council on Veterans Affairs.

Beyond her professional contributions, Simone was a wonderful and caring person who lit up the room with her presence and brought positive energy to everyone around her. Her love for God was evident in everything she did, infusing her interactions with grace and compassion.

As we mourn this terrible loss, we remember her as a colleague and dear friend who brightened each day. Let us honor her memory by continuing the work she was so passionate about and supporting one another as we navigate this loss together. Simone will be greatly missed, but her legacy will be with us as we move forward.”

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