Overview
- Early Sunday morning, a car veered off southbound Nicholson Drive and struck two people standing on the right shoulder, killing 21‑year‑old LSU senior Leah Fonte at the scene.
- Baton Rouge police located and contacted the driver shortly after the crash and arrested 20‑year‑old Mia Camille Dawson on charges that include operating while impaired, hit‑and‑run driving, reckless operation, vehicular homicide, and vehicular negligent injury.
- The other victim, 21‑year‑old Shane Hirstius, was taken to a local hospital and remained hospitalized following the collision.
- LSU confirmed Fonte was a senior studying biological sciences, issued condolences through campus leaders, and activated counseling resources for students and staff.
- Police say the investigation is ongoing and prosecutors and investigators will develop evidence and move the case through the legal process, a sequence that could include arraignment and further charges or filings.