LSU Student and Fiancé Killed by Alleged Impaired Driver
An LSU student and her firefighter fiancé were fatally struck by a driver early Sunday morning in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. Authorities have arrested a 20-year-old woman in connection with the incident.
A Louisiana State University student and her firefighter fiancé were killed Sunday morning when a driver allegedly struck them as they walked along the side of a road. The Baton Rouge Police Department identified the victims as 21-year-old Leah Fonte, an LSU student, and 21-year-old Shane Hirstius, a volunteer firefighter.
Authorities arrested Mia Dawson, 20, on charges including operating while impaired, reckless operation of a vehicle, hit and run driving, and vehicular homicide. Police stated that Dawson veered off the road around 2:40 a.m. and struck the couple who were walking on the right shoulder.
Fonte died at the scene. Hirstius was transported to a local hospital, where he later succumbed to his injuries.
The River Ridge volunteer fire department, where Hirstius served, released a statement remembering him as having "an enormous heart, an unforgettable smile, and a genuine passion for helping others." The department added that Hirstius "gave 110% of himself to his responsibilities as a first responder, always willing to step forward when someone needed help."
Fonte was a senior at LSU studying biological sciences. LSU President Wade Rousse issued a statement offering condolences to Fonte's family, stating, "We pray that God will comfort those she loved during this time of reflection and mourning."