LSU freshman track-and-field athlete Dillon Reidenauer dies after traffic incident

LSU pole vaulter Dillon Reidenauer was killed in a traffic accident on campus on Wednesday night, according to a report from WBRZ.

Reidenauer, an 18-year-old freshman, was just beginning her collegiate sports career.

“LSU Athletics is heartbroken to share the tragic news of the passing of freshman track and field student-athlete Dillon Reidenauer in a traffic incident Wednesday evening in Baton Rouge,” an LSU statement read. “Our thoughts and prayers are with Dillon’s family, friends & teammates as well as with those impacted by the loss of another individual who died as a result of the incident.

“We are providing resources and support to all of our student-athletes and staff directly impacted by this tragic loss.”

Full details on the accident are scant, but it occurred along Nicholson Drive on campus. WVLA Baton Rouge reports that the accident occurred around 9:07 p.m. local time.

“Police said the driver of a Honda Accord was heading south on Nicholson Drive and attempted to make a left turn onto South Quad Drive when it was hit by a motorcycle heading north on Nicholson Drive,” WVLA wrote.

Dillon Reidenauer was reportedly in the vehicle that was struck by motorcyclist Bodhi Linton, who also died in the incident. Linton was 23 years old. The LSU Police Department responded to the crash scene.

A 5-foot-9 freshman, Reidenauer was one of the best pole vaulters in the state.

She hailed from Fontainebleau High School on Lake Pontchartrain’s north shore. Reidenauer finished second at the outdoor LHSAA State Championships with a pole vault leap of 3.64 meters. She claimed third indoors with a clearance of 3.71 meters and held a personal best of 3.81 meters.

Dillon Reidenauer was the daughter of Aundrea and Brad Reidenauer and had one sibling. According to her LSU athletics profile, she had planned to pursue a degree in interior design.