NV grad dies in auto accident in Baton Rouge

The North Vermilion High community is mourning the loss of one of its own. A woman who graduated from North Vermilion High School in 2015 and worked for the Baton Rouge mayor was killed in a car crash in Baton Rouge on Sunday.
According to The Advocate newspaper, 26-year-old Simone Pillette was driving a 2014 Lincoln MKZ on Interstate 12 eastbound around 1 a.m. on Sunday when the front driver’s side tire collided with the rear tire of a 2018 Jeep Wrangler. As a result, she veered off the road, struck a tree, and her car was engulfed in flames.
She died at the scene, the newspaper reports.
Pillette is the daughter of Raven Pillette Miller.
On Monday, Raven was interviewed by Baton Rouge’s TV Station Fox 33. Raven told the station that a scholarship would be set up in honor of her daughter.
“She would want all kids to participate in things and would not want money to be a reason why they could not,” Raven said in the TV interview.
On Facebook, Baton Rouge Mayor-President Sharon Weston Broome posted about the loss of Pillette. 
“With profound sadness, I share the news of the passing of Simone Pillette, a dedicated public servant and beloved member of our tea,” Broome wrote. “As our Office Manager, Simone was the heartbeat of our office. She was a devoted leader, handling many of our citizens’ requests and playing an integral role in the Mayor’s Advisory Council on Veterans Affairs.
“Beyond her professional contributions, Simone was a beautiful 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, guiding her interactions with grace and compassion.
“As we mourn this tremendous loss, we remember her as a colleague and dear friend who made every day brighter. 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 deeply missed, but her legacy will remain with us as we move forward.
Pillette was an alumna of North Vermilion High School, according to a post on the school’s Facebook page.
“With heavy hearts, we mourn the loss of our alumna, Simone Pillette, Class of 2015, who gained her heavenly wings this past weekend. Simone was a bright and vibrant presence at NVHS, leaving a legacy of kindness, talent, and dedication. During this difficult time, our thoughts and prayers are with her family and friends. She will be deeply missed by all who knew her,” the school said. 
Dr. Melanie Powell Butler wrote, “In 2017, I had the pleasure of meeting Simone, whose impressive qualities led me to recommend her to Ms. Green for an interview with the Mayor’s Office. It brings me great joy to know that you all valued her as much as we did. Simone was a bright, smart, wise beyond her years, and joyful young woman, selected for multiple student leadership events during her time in the College of Business at SU. Simone’s presence will be deeply missed. Anyone who adds that kind of value to the lives of others will always be missed when they go on home.”
Superintendent Tommy Byler was the principal at North Vermilion when she graduated. He added his thoughts about her loss.
“It is hard to comprehend that this young soul was taken from us so soon,” wrote Byler. “The sky was the limit for her. We all saw and knew that so long ago. I am sending my condolences to her family. RIP Monie. Heaven gained a confident and talented young lady.”