A 21-year-old Louisiana State University student and her firefighter fiancé, who had been high school sweethearts, were killed early Sunday when a woman allegedly struck them as they walked along the shoulder of a Baton Rouge road.
The Baton Rouge Police Department identified the victims as Leah Fonte and Shane Hirstius, both 21 and engaged. Police arrested 20-year-old Mia Dawson in connection with the crash. She faces charges of operating while impaired, reckless operation of a vehicle, hit-and-run driving, vehicular homicide and vehicular negligent injuring.
Authorities said Dawson veered off the roadway at about 2:40 a.m. Sunday and hit Fonte and Hirstius as they walked on the right shoulder.
LSU student Leah Fonte, 21, and her fiancé, firefighter Shane Hirstius, 21, died after allegedly being struck by an impaired driver while walking along a Baton Rouge, Louisiana, road. (@leah._.fonte/Instagram)
Fonte died at the scene. Hirstius was transported to a hospital, where he later succumbed to his injuries.
Mia Dawson, 20, was arrested on charges including vehicular homicide, impaired driving and hit-and-run after allegedly striking and killing an engaged couple in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. (East Baton Rouge Sheriff’s Office)
The River Ridge Volunteer Fire Department honored 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 couple, both 21, were killed after a driver allegedly struck them as they walked along the shoulder of a road. (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 LSU, Fonte was a senior studying biological sciences at the university.
Shane Hirstius, 21, was a volunteer firefighter with the River Ridge Fire Department, which remembered him after his death for his dedication, compassion and commitment to serving others. (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.”