Engaged Couple, Both 21, Killed in Louisiana Hit-and-Run

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Summary: Police say Mia Dawson, 20, was impaired when her vehicle struck engaged couple Leah Fonte and Shane Hirstius, both 21, in Baton Rouge, Louisiana.

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BATON ROUGE, La. — Oct. 18, 2026

Two young lives ended in the early morning hours Sunday after a vehicle struck an engaged couple walking near Louisiana State University in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. Police say the driver, 20-year-old Mia Dawson, was impaired and left the scene after the collision.

The victims were identified as Leah Fonte, 21, an LSU student, and her fiancé, Shane Hirstius, 21, a firefighter. Fonte died at the scene. Hirstius was rushed to a hospital with critical injuries but later died.

Driver accused of leaving the scene

According to the Baton Rouge Police Department, the crash happened at approximately 2:40 a.m. on Oct. 18. Investigators allege Dawson was driving a 2016 Nissan Rogue when she veered off the roadway and struck Fonte and Hirstius as they walked along the shoulder.

Officers located Dawson a short time later and took her into custody. Police have not publicly detailed every movement between the collision and her apprehension, and the investigation remains ongoing.

Dawson was booked into the East Baton Rouge Parish Prison. The charges reported by police include operating while impaired, reckless operation of a vehicle, hit-and-run driving, vehicular homicide and vehicular negligent injuring.

The allegations have not been resolved in court. Dawson is accused of criminal conduct, and the charges should not be treated as a conviction.

A student and a firefighter

Fonte was a senior at Louisiana State University studying biological sciences on a pre-dental track. Her academic plans pointed toward a future in dentistry, making her death a sudden end to a young life still taking shape.

Hirstius served as an operator and firefighter with the Third District Volunteer Fire Department in Jefferson Parish. The department confirmed his death in a public statement, recognizing his service as a first responder.

The couple, both from the Metairie area, had become engaged in 2025. Reports said they had been making plans for their future together, including a wedding.

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Suspects are considered innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

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Sources/related links:

FOX 8 New Orleans: LSU student and fiancé killed; driver arrested

WBRZ: LSU student and fiancé die in Baton Rouge crash

WDSU: Police arrest woman in fatal crash near LSU

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