Couple killed by allegedly impaired driver near LSU

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 20 Oct, 00:02 · Archive

Two 21-year-olds engaged to be married were killed by an allegedly impaired driver in Baton Rouge.

Leah Fonte and Shane Hirstius, both 21, were struck by a 2016 Nissan Rogue at around 2:40 a.m. on Sunday in the 5000 block of Nicholson Drive in Baton Rouge. Police said the driver veered off the road as they were walking along the right shoulder. The couple had been together since high school and were engaged to be married.

Mia Camille Dawson, 20, was arrested and charged with vehicular homicide, hit-and-run driving, reckless operation of a motor vehicle and driving while impaired. She appeared in court on Monday, where her bond was set at £229,000 with a condition of house arrest if she makes bail.

Shane's father Steven Hirstius said he found solace in knowing 'Shane finally gets to be with her for the rest of his life, whether it's here on earth with us or up in heaven with God, it's what he wanted'. Marjorie Hirstius, the couple's mother, expressed anger at the preventable nature of the accident. 'Leah and Shane chose to walk home and not drink and drive. But in return, they did the right thing and got hit by somebody that chose to drink and drive,' she said.

How it is being reported

• Couple killed by allegedly impaired driver near LSU together since high school, families sayFamilies of Leah Fonte and Shane Hirstius are mourning high school sweethearts' deathsWAFB · 19 Oct, 23:21
• Couple killed by allegedly impaired driver near LSU together since high school, families sayThe families of Leah Fonte and Shane Hirstius are mourning the loss of the couple engaged to be married but were killed in a suspected drunk driving accident.KNOE · 19 Oct, 23:21

In this story: Leah Fonte · Shane Hirstius · Mia Camille Dawson · Baton Rouge · LSU

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