LSU student and firefighter fiancé mowed down near campus, impaired underage driver arrested

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A Louisiana State University student and her firefighter fiancé, high school sweethearts, were killed when a woman allegedly struck them with her vehicle as they walked along the side of a road on early Sunday morning.

The Baton Rouge Police Department identified the victims as 21-year old Leah Fonte and 21-year-old Shane Hirstius, who were engaged. Officers arrested Mia Dawson, 20, in relation to the incident on charges of operating while impaired, reckless operation of a vehicle, hit and run driving, vehicular homicide and vehicular negligent injuring.

Officials said Dawson veered off the road at around 2:40 a.m. Sunday and struck the two people who were walking on the right shoulder of the road.

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Leah Fonte smiles while taking a mirror selfie with her fiancé, firefighter Shane Hirstius, who stands behind her wearing a baseball cap and plaid jacket.

Fonte died at the scene, while Hirstius was taken to a hospital, where he later died.

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Mugshot of Mia Dawson, 20, wearing a bright pink shirt against a dark background.

In a Facebook post, the River Ridge volunteer fire department said “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, wearing a light blue uniform shirt and black tie, stands with his fiancée, Leah Fonte, in a brown dress beneath a large American flag.

“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.

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Shane Hirstius and his fiancée, Leah Fonte, smile for an outdoor selfie, with Hirstius wearing a baseball cap and Fonte wearing white earmuffs.

Fonte was a senior at Louisiana State University studying biological sciences, according to a statement from the institution.

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A firefighter operates a hose from an elevated fire truck ladder at night, spraying a stream of water illuminated by bright blue emergency lights.

“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,” said LSU president Wade Rousse. “We pray that God will comfort those she loved during this time of reflection and mourning.”

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