A Louisiana State University student and her firefighter fiancé, who were high school sweethearts, were killed early Sunday when a woman allegedly drove off the road and struck them as they walked along the shoulder.
The Baton Rouge Police Department identified the victims as 21-year-old Leah Fonte and 21-year-old Shane Hirstius, who were engaged. Mia Dawson, 20, was arrested in connection with the crash and faces charges of operating while impaired, reckless operation of a vehicle, hit-and-run driving, vehicular homicide and vehicular negligent injuring.
According to officials, Dawson veered off the roadway at about 2:40 a.m. Sunday and hit Fonte and Hirstius as they walked along the right shoulder.
Fonte was pronounced dead at the scene. Hirstius was transported to a hospital, where he later died from his injuries.
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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.”
“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.
Fonte was a senior at LSU, where she was studying biological sciences, the university said in a statement.
“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.”