LSU student and firefighter fiancé killed by impaired driver

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 19 Oct, 16:57 · Archive

A Louisiana State University student and her firefighter fiancé, both 21, were killed when struck by a car driven by a 20-year-old woman.

Leah Fonte, a Louisiana State University senior studying biological sciences, and Shane Hirstius, a 21-year-old volunteer firefighter with the Third District Volunteer Fire Department in Jefferson Parish, were killed on early Sunday 18 October after being struck by a vehicle on a Baton Rouge road. The couple had been celebrating a friend's birthday before the crash.

Police arrested Mia Camille Dawson, 20, in connection with the incident. Investigators said Dawson was driving a 2016 Nissan Rogue southbound on Nicholson Drive when she veered off the roadway and struck the couple as they walked along the right shoulder around 2.40am. Dawson allegedly fled the scene before officers located her shortly after the collision.

Fonte was pronounced dead at the scene. Hirstius was taken to a nearby hospital but later died from his injuries. Dawson was arrested on charges including operating while impaired, reckless operation of a vehicle, hit and run driving, vehicular homicide and vehicular negligent injuring. The fire department described Hirstius as 'much more than a firefighter', saying he had 'an enormous heart' and 'a genuine passion for helping others'.

How it is being reported

• LSU student and firefighter fiancé mowed down near campus, impaired underage driver arrestedLouisiana State University senior Leah Fonte and fiancé Shane Hirstius were allegedly struck by an impaired driver while walking along a Baton Rouge road.Fox News · 19 Oct, 16:44
• LSU student and firefighter fiance, 21, both killed after being struck by 'impaired' driver, 20, cops sayA Louisiana State University student and her firefighter fiancé, both 21, were killed early Sunday after an allegedly impaired driver plowed into them as they walked along a Louisiana road.Daily Mail · 19 Oct, 15:51

In this story: Leah Fonte · Shane Hirstius · Mia Camille Dawson · Louisiana State University · Third District Volunteer Fire Department · Baton Rouge · Jefferson Parish

This summary was written by AI from the headlines and standfirsts above, and states as fact only what at least two outlets report. How we use AI · Report a problem