In Loving Memory of Leah Fonte: Supporting Her Family ❤️

On Sunday, October 18, 2026, Leah Victoria Fonte, a 21-year-old LSU senior, tragically lost her life in a car crash alongside her fiancé, Shane David Hirstius. Two families and an entire community are grieving the heartbreaking loss of two young people who had so much life ahead of them.

This fundraiser has been created to support Leah's family during an unimaginable time, helping with funeral and memorial expenses while allowing her loved ones the time and space to grieve without the added burden of financial worries.

Leah graduated Magna Cum Laude from Kenner Discovery Health Sciences Academy in 2023. She was pursuing a degree in Biological Sciences at Louisiana State University, where she also served as Fundraising Chair for Global Dental Brigades, helping raise money to bring dental care to underserved communities.

Leah was bright, compassionate, ambitious, and dedicated to making a difference in the lives of others. She had a beautiful future ahead of her, one filled with dreams, accomplishments, and a lifetime of memories she and Shane had yet to make.

Her family should be looking forward to celebrating her college graduation, watching her dreams unfold, and sharing in all the milestones that were still to come. Instead, they are facing a loss no family should ever have to endure.

While nothing can take away their heartbreak, together, we can help ease the financial burdens and surround Leah's family with the love and support they need during this devastating time.

We ask the LSU community, Kenner Discovery family, friends, neighbors, and anyone touched by Leah's story to consider making a donation. No contribution is too small, and sharing this fundraiser is another meaningful way to show your support.

Thank you for your kindness, generosity, prayers, and compassion as Leah's family navigates this unimaginable loss.

Rest peacefully, Leah and Shane. Forever loved, never forgotten.

**Fundraiser Transparency**

My name is Bonnie Muro Ust, and I organized this fundraiser for Jennifer Fonte, my coworker and dental assistant over 4 years, following the tragic loss of her daughter, Leah.

Jennifer Fonte is the official beneficiary of this fundraiser and has accepted the invitation to receive the donations. All funds raised will be transferred directly to Jennifer through GoFundMe to help with funeral expenses, unexpected financial burdens, and time away from work as she grieves. I will not receive or handle any of the donated funds.