Commissioner Tom Ramsey Unveils Tribute Sign Honoring Kailee Mills' Legacy
On September 24, Harris County Commissioner Tom Ramsey unveiled a new sign dedicated to the memory of Kailee Mills, positioned near the site of the tragic car accident that took her life on Rothwood Road. This initiative, in collaboration with the Kailee Mills Foundation, aims to raise awareness about the critical importance of seat belt use and enhance roadway safety within the community.
Kailee Mills was just 16 years old when her life was cut short on October 28, 2017. A standout student at Klein Collins High School in Spring, Kailee maintained a 4.3 GPA while actively engaging in community service. On that fateful day, she was traveling with friends to a Halloween party when the car she was in veered off the road. In a moment of distraction, she removed her seat belt to take a selfie, which ultimately led to her being ejected from the vehicle, while her friends suffered only minor injuries.
A tribute cross on Rothwood Road, with a photo of Kailee Mills. (Source: HCP3)In the wake of their loss, the Mills family has dedicated themselves to promoting awareness about seat belt safety. They discovered alarming statistics regarding traffic fatalities and how many of these deaths could have been prevented through the simple act of buckling up. Their mission is clear: to ensure that no other family experiences the heartbreak they have endured due to preventable accidents.
At the unveiling event, Commissioner Ramsey expressed his gratitude to the Mills family for their tireless efforts in advocating for road safety. He stated, “Together, we are raising awareness by encouraging everyone to buckle up and stay safe on the roads. Thank you to Kailee's parents and the Kailee Mills Foundation for your dedication and commitment to this vital cause.” This partnership highlights the shared goal of reducing fatalities and injuries caused by not wearing seat belts.
Commissioner Tom Ramsey celebrating the unveiling of a sign on Amery Reid from Harris County Precinct 3 also spoke about the collaboration, noting, “Commissioner Ramsey first met members of the Kailee Mills Foundation at an event in 2022, where they shared their commitment to reducing fatalities and injuries caused by not wearing seat belts.” The foundation and the Commissioner’s office have been working together to identify effective ways to improve public safety, including the installation of signage that promotes seat belt use.
The newly unveiled sign serves as both a tribute to Kailee’s life and a reminder for all drivers and passengers to prioritize safety. The Mills family's ongoing advocacy work emphasizes the importance of open conversations about seat belt use, encouraging families to make safety a regular topic of discussion. Through their efforts, they hope to foster a culture of responsibility on the roads and ensure that Kailee's legacy continues to inspire positive change within the community.
By Tiffany Krenek, My Neighborhood News 
Tiffany Krenek has been on the My Neighborhood News team since August 2021. She is passionate about curating and sharing content that enriches the lives of our readers in a personal, meaningful way. A loving mother and wife, Tiffany and her family live in the West Houston/Cypress region.
