Loved ones honored Jasmine Batiste with a balloon release after her tragic death caused by a suspected drunk driver.
BEAUMONT, Texas — Loved ones gathered Wednesday along Washington Boulevard to honor 19-year-old Jasmine Batiste, who was killed Sept. 17 when her car was hit head-on by a suspected drunk driver.
Batiste’s family and friends released pink and white balloons near the car wash across from her memorial, the spot where she took her last breath. “I think the balloon release is special for us to be able to come in to show how much we loved and care about her,” said her cousin, Rodrick Morris.
Police said Batiste died around 1 a.m. Sunday after 47-year-old Lajanara Stevenson allegedly drove after drinking and crashed into her vehicle. Stevenson has been arrested and charged with intoxication manslaughter.
Batiste’s family described her as a devoted young mother who was on her way to pick up her 3-year-old son when the crash happened. “That’s just outright just losing your mind and doing stuff that’s not called for when this young lady was on her way to go pick up her son and now she’s not here,” Morris said.
Her relatives say she had just left their house about 30 minutes before the collision. “We were filling out job applications talking about, you know, her finishing schooling, getting a new job,” Morris recalled.
Batiste’s sister, Regnisha, said she will miss their late-night talks. “We used to sit in the car all night long and talk,” she said, adding, “She always stayed put together, so I’m here for you, baby. I’m here.”
Her aunt, Rikisha Beverly, said she has been numb since the crash. Even in the rain, family members tied balloons and lit pink candles along the fence near the site.
Batiste leaves behind her father, two sisters, one brother and her son, Bryson. Her brother, Travis Bryant, said he takes comfort in believing she is reunited with their mother, who died less than two years ago. “My mama would be happy to have her there, and I know she made it there,” he said.
Batiste’s aunt said her young son will now be staying with his grandfather. Funeral services are scheduled for 1 p.m. Saturday at Cathedral of Faith Baptist Church in Beaumont.