Baton Rouge Police have arrested a woman in connection with a deadly crash on Nicholson Drive Sunday morning.
Police arrested Mia Camille Dawson, 20, for operating while impaired, reckless operation of a vehicle, hit-and-run driving, vehicular homicide, and vehicular negligent injury.
She appeared in court Monday where her bond was set at $229,000.
The crash happened around 2:40 a.m. in the 5000 block of Nicholson Drive.
According to BRPD, Dawson was driving southbound on Nicholson Dr, when she veered off the road and hit two people who were on the right shoulder of the road.
Shortly after the crash, BRPD made contact with Dawson in the 1900 block of Nicholson Dr.
Leah Fonte, 21, died at the scene, and Shane Hirstius, 21, was transported to a local hospital and later died.
The couple was engaged and planning a wedding for March 2028. They both grew up in Jefferson Parish.
Louisiana State University issued a statement on the passing of Fonte. She was a senior studying biological sciences.
“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.”
Fonte was a biological sciences major and served as fundraising chair for LSU Global Dental Brigades.
Before going to LSU, she graduated from Kenner Discovery where she was on the dance team. The team posted a statement to Instagram.
“Leah was a hardworking, intelligent woman with a gentle soul who was loved and adored by everyone around her,” it said in part.
Hirstius graduated from Rummel and grew up playing sports at Mike Miley Playground. Coach Kyle Arceneaux told WDSU he made an impact on everyone there.
“We always talked about finding a way, and that’s what he was, man. He was a leader,” he said. “He was finding his way in life, with his fiancee, and what they wanted to be and grow up. They were both good people with a lot of dreams, a lot of things that they wanted to do in life that was tragically cut short.”
Hirstius also played baseball at Delgado Community College in 2024. The team posted a statement to Facebook.
“Our Delgado family mourns the loss of Shane Hirstius, a member of the 2024 Dolphins, who passed away Sunday morning along with his fiance, Leah Fonte. Our thoughts and prayers are with their family, friends, and teammates during this difficult time,” it said.
The Third District Volunteer Fire Department also posted a message on Facebook, remembering Hirstius, who was a firefighter and operator.
“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 statement said.
“Leah was equally special. She was a beautiful soul, full of life, with a tremendous heart and a smile that could brighten any room.”
“She brought happiness, kindness, and love to those around her,” the statement said.
Following the crash, LSU President Wade Rousse and Department of Transportation and Development Secretary Glenn Ledet announced they are working on potential enhancements on Nicholson Drive from Bob Petit to Lee Drive.
“Safety has been and always will be our top priority at LA DOTD, and that includes ensuring pedestrians and other types of road users can travel safely,” said Secretary Ledet. “We are working collaboratively with LSU and the City of Baton Rouge to identify and evaluate potential solutions to improve roadway safety and help prevent similar tragedies in the future.”
Governor Jeff Landry also weighed in, saying on X, “I am sick of seeing students and others killed while walking along Nicholson Drive at night. I am committed to working with @La_DOTD , the City of Baton Rouge, and @LSU leaders to look at all available options to keep students and pedestrians safe. Enough is enough.”
READ MORE:Baton Rouge police arrest woman in deadly crash near LSU
