As the prayer ceremony began at Archbishop Rummel High, fire trucks sounded in the distance, a fitting tribute to former student Shane Hirstius, a firefighter with the Third District Volunteer Fire Department, who was killed in a hit-and-run crash alongside his fiancé, Leah Fonte. Hundreds of loved ones attended the ceremony to honor Hirstius, 21, and Fonte, also 21.
“If you believe in a higher power, I believe he’s here with us today,” said Ray Canzoneri, who knew Shane for 14 years.
Canzoneri shared memories of coaching Shane as a child.
“One of the greatest kids I’ve ever met,” he said. “He’s a very, very happy person.”
Earlier in the day, a procession was held to bring Shane and Leah back home. Canzoneri spoke about their bond and shared dreams.
“These two were definitely meant to be together,” Canzoneri said. “Leah was a great person. I’ve never met somebody that was so happy as well.”
Funeral services for the couple will be held Tuesday, Oct. 27 at the Jefferson Parish Performing Arts Center. It’s open to the public, with visitation beginning at 10 am.
Mia Camille Dawson, 20, has been arrested in connection with the deadly crash. She is charged with operating while impaired, reckless operation of a vehicle, hit-and-run driving, vehicular homicide and vehicular negligent injury.
READ MORE:Community packs Archbishop Rummel High to pray for Jefferson Parish couple killed in crash
