LSU Student and Firefighter Fiancé Killed in Suspected DUI Crash Near Campus
The victims, identified as 21-year-old Leah Victoria Fonte and 21-year-old Shane David Hirstius, were engaged to be married in March 2028. Instead, their families and communities are now mourning the loss of the young couple following a crash that has led to the arrest of a 20-year-old woman.
According to Baton Rouge Police, the couple had been walking along the shoulder of Nicholson Drive when they were struck by a vehicle around 2:40 a.m.
Driver Arrested Following Fatal Crash Near LSU
Baton Rouge Police identified the driver as 20-year-old Mia Camille Dawson, who investigators say was operating a 2016 Nissan Rogue southbound on Nicholson Drive.
Police allege Dawson veered off the roadway in the 5000 block of Nicholson Drive near Lee Drive, striking Fonte and Hirstius as they walked along the right shoulder.
Fonte was pronounced dead at the scene. Hirstius was transported to a nearby hospital in critical condition but later died from his injuries.
Officers located Dawson a short time later in the 1900 block of Nicholson Drive.
She was arrested and booked into the East Baton Rouge Parish Prison on the following charges:
Operating while impaired
Reckless operation of a vehicle
Hit-and-run driving
Vehicular homicide
Vehicular negligent injuring
The circumstances surrounding the crash remain under investigation.
LSU Mourns Loss of Senior Studying to Become a Dentist
Fonte, originally from Jefferson Parish, was a senior at LSU studying biological sciences on a pre-dental track.
In a statement released Sunday, LSU Chancellor Jim Dalton expressed condolences to Fonte's family and friends.
"The LSU family is grieving today after learning of this tragic accident involving our student Leah Fonte," Dalton said.
He added that counseling and support resources, including LSU Cares, are available to students and members of the university community.
LSU President Wade Rousse also offered condolences on behalf of the university system.
"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.
Fire Department Remembers 21-Year-Old Firefighter
Hirstius was an operator and firefighter with the Third District Volunteer Fire Department in Jefferson Parish.
In an emotional tribute shared on social media, the department remembered him as a dedicated first responder who had a genuine passion for serving others.
"Shane was much more than a firefighter," the department wrote. "He was a person with an enormous heart, an unforgettable smile, and a genuine passion for helping others."
The department said firefighting was more than a job to Hirstius. It was something he truly loved.
According to the department, the couple had been celebrating a friend's birthday before the fatal crash.
Couple Had Planned to Marry in 2028
Fonte and Hirstius, both from the Metairie area, became engaged in 2025 and had planned to marry in March 2028.
Fonte was approaching the completion of her undergraduate studies, while Hirstius was building his career as a firefighter.
Their deaths have left two families grieving and prompted tributes from the LSU community and the fire department where Hirstius served.
Baton Rouge Police Traffic Homicide detectives continue to investigate the crash. Additional details have not yet been released.