The LSU community is mourning the tragic loss of freshman pole vaulter Dillon Reidenauer, who was killed in a car accident Wednesday night near Tiger Stadium. She was just 18 years old.
According to reports, the fatal crash occurred on LSU’s Baton Rouge campus when a motorcyclist, identified as Bodhi Linton, collided with Reidenauer’s vehicle as she was making a left turn onto South Quad Drive. The impact caused both vehicles to burst into flames, and tragically, both Reidenauer and Linton were pronounced dead at the scene.
News of Reidenauer’s passing has left the LSU athletics community devastated. Track and field coach Dennis Shaver shared his heartbreak, stating that she “was taken from us much too soon.”
Just one day after the accident, the LSU track and field team honored Reidenauer’s memory at the SEC Indoor Championship by displaying a tribute sign and wearing purple ribbons on their uniforms. The women’s Distance Medley Relay squad dedicated their performance to her and went on to win the championship title.
Before joining LSU, Reidenauer was recognized as one of Louisiana’s top high school pole vaulters, earning her spot on the Tigers’ track and field team last May. At the time of her commitment, she shared her excitement on Instagram, writing:
“I am so excited to be a part of the LSU track and field team next year! GEAUX TIGERS! 🐯”
Beyond athletics, Reidenauer had aspirations in interior design, pursuing a degree in the field while balancing her collegiate sports career.
