LSU Student and Fiancé Killed by Impaired Driver Near Campus

An LSU student and her fiancé, a firefighter, were killed early Sunday morning when a driver allegedly veered off the road and struck them. Police have arrested Mia Dawson, 20, in connection with the incident.

The Baton Rouge Police Department identified the victims as 21-year-old Leah Fonte, an LSU student, and 21-year-old Shane Hirstius, who was engaged to Fonte.

Authorities reported that the collision occurred around 2:40 a.m. Sunday. Fonte died at the scene, while Hirstius was transported to a local hospital, where he later succumbed to his injuries. Dawson faces charges including operating while impaired, reckless operation of a vehicle, hit-and-run driving, vehicular homicide, and vehicular negligent injuring.

The River Ridge Volunteer Fire Department, where Hirstius served, issued a statement on Facebook mourning his loss. "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," the department said. "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."

LSU President Wade Rousse also released a statement expressing condolences. "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," Rousse said. "We pray that God will comfort those she loved during this time of reflection and mourning." Fonte was a senior at LSU studying biological sciences.