A Louisiana State University student and her firefighter fiancé, who had been high school sweethearts, died early Sunday after a woman allegedly hit them with her vehicle while they walked along a roadway.
The Baton Rouge Police Department identified the victims as 21-year-old Leah Fonte and 21-year-old Shane Hirstius, an engaged couple. Police arrested 20-year-old Mia Dawson in connection with the crash. She faces charges of operating while impaired, reckless vehicle operation, hit-and-run driving, vehicular homicide and vehicular negligent injuring.
Authorities said Dawson left the roadway at approximately 2:40 a.m. Sunday and struck Fonte and Hirstius as they walked along the right shoulder.
LSU student Leah Fonte, 21, and her fiancé, firefighter Shane Hirstius, 21, died after an allegedly impaired driver struck them while they were walking along a road in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. (@leah._.fonte/Instagram)
Fonte died at the crash site. Hirstius was transported to a hospital, where he later succumbed to his injuries.
Mia Dawson, 20, was arrested on allegations including vehicular homicide, impaired driving and hit-and-run after she allegedly struck and killed an engaged couple in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. (East Baton Rouge Sheriff’s Office)
The River Ridge Volunteer Fire Department remembered Hirstius in a Facebook post, writing: “Shane was much more than a firefighter. He was a person with an enormous heart, an unforgettable smile, and a genuine passion for helping others.”
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Firefighter Shane Hirstius poses with his fiancée, LSU student Leah Fonte. The engaged 21-year-olds died after a driver allegedly struck them as they walked along a road shoulder. (Third District Volunteer Fire Department/Facebook)
“He gave 110% of himself to his responsibilities as a first responder, always willing to step forward when someone needed help. His dedication, compassion, and commitment to serving others represented the very best of what it means to be a firefighter,” the department said.
High school sweethearts Leah Fonte and Shane Hirstius, both 21, were engaged when they were killed in an alleged DUI hit-and-run in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. (@leah._.fonte/Instagram)
According to Louisiana State University, Fonte was a senior studying biological sciences.
Shane Hirstius, 21, was a volunteer firefighter with the River Ridge Fire Department, which praised his dedication, compassion and commitment to serving others after his death. (Third District Volunteer Fire Department)
“On behalf of the LSU System and all nine of the institutions that make up our LSU family, we send sincere condolences to the Fonte family as they learn of Leah’s passing,” LSU President Wade Rousse said. “We pray that God will comfort those she loved during this time of reflection and mourning.”
