Tragedy in Baton Rouge as a young, engaged couple is killed after being hit by an SUV early Sunday morning. Baton Rouge Police Lieutenant L’Jean McKneely says 21-year-olds Shane Hirstius and Leah Fonte were walking on the right shoulder of the roadway along Nicholson Drive near Tigerland, just south of the LSU campus, when they were hit.
“The driver that caused the crash veered off the roadway and struck two pedestrians. One died at the scene, the other was transported to a local hospital where he later died of his injuries,” McKneely said.
McKneely says 20-year-old Mia Dawson drove about a mile away before stopping at a business. She was booked into the East Baton Rouge Parish Prison on several charges, including vehicular homicide and, despite being under the limit, DWI because she’s under 21. McKneely says the crash happened in an unlit section of Nicholson Drive.
MIA DAWSON (photo courtesy of East Baton Rouge Parish Sheriff’s Office)
“Even though the pedestrians, they were on the shoulder, they were where they should have been; still not a lot of lighting in that particular area, and it was early morning hours,” McKneely noted.
Hirstius and Fonte were both from Metairie; Fonte attended LSU. Fonte was a senior who was studying biological sciences, while Hirstius was a firefighter with the Third District Volunteer Fire Department. Hirstius played one season of college baseball at Delgado Community College in New Orleans. Delgado Head Coach Joe Scheuermann says Hirstius’ high school coach at Archbishop Rummel, Frank Cazeaux, called him with the tragic news.
“When the phone rings early in the morning or late at night, it’s never good news; and when he (Cazeaux) told me what happened, I mean, it kicks you in the stomach,” Scheuermann said.
Scheuermann says Hirstius had his future plans clearly in focus, and that meant giving up baseball. He recalled the conversation Hirstius had with him when he said he was leaving baseball behind.
“I can’t make the commitment because I want to be able to become a fireman. I have the opportunity to get into the class, and I want to take that opportunity. I plan on getting married, and I just want to move on with my life,” Scheuermann recalled.
Hirstius and Fonte got engaged last year and had planned on getting married in March of 2028.
LSU issued the following statement:
“It is with deep sadness that LSU shares the loss of one of our students early this morning. Leah Fonte passed away after being hit by a car on Nicholson Drive near Lee.”
Miss Fonte was a senior, studying biological sciences and is from Metairie.
“The LSU family is grieving today after learning of this tragic accident involving our student, Leah Fonte,” said Chancellor Jim Dalton. “Resources across campus including counselors with LSU Cares are already available to our entire community. We collectively join in supporting the Fonte family and Leah’s friends as they navigate this most difficult time.”
“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 President Wade Rousse. “We pray that God will comfort those she loved during this time of reflection and mourning.”
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