LSU pole vaulter Dillon Reidenauer was killed in a car accident this week at the age of 18.
According to local reports, Reidenauer was in a car that was struck by a motorcyclist in Baton Rouge at 9pm on Wednesday night. The motorcyclist also died, with both vehicles reportedly going up in flames.
An LSU statement said: ‘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.
‘Our thoughts and prayers are with Dillon’s family, friends and 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.’
The motorcyclist was named as Bodhi Linton, 23, who reportedly lost his mother in a motorcycle crash last year.
LSU pole vaulter Dillon Reidenauer was killed in a car accident this week at the age of 18
Tributes poured in for the teenager, described as one of Louisiana’s most talented athletes
The incident is believed to have occurred when the motorcycle T-boned the car as it turned left onto South Quad Drive.
LSU’s athlete website describes Reidenauer as one of the best pole vaulters in Louisiana.
She had attended Fontainebleau High School before continuing her athletic career at LSU, the university that has a distinguished record of helping young athletes fulfill their potential.
Angel Reese, Olivia Dunne and Jayden Daniels are a few standout names to have represented the school.
Last May, she took to Instagram to underline her excitement to compete for LSU, writing: ‘I’m so excited to announce that I will continue to pole vault for Louisiana State University next year.
‘I am so blessed and grateful to have a great support group and a wonderful coach who has taught me everything I know. I am so excited to be a part of the LSU track and field team next year!’
After the news of her death emerged, her LSU coach Dennis Shraver said: ‘Everyone in our LSU track and field family is keeping Dillon’s loved ones in our thoughts and prayers, as well as those of the other individual lost in the incident.’
Her Fontainebleau High School coach Sam Sanders said of Reidenauer: ‘Dillon was a model student-athlete.
‘She was the kind of person any coach would want on any team. She had her heart set on LSU and she was going to do whatever it took to get that goal.
‘It’s difficult to process — losing someone so quickly like that. It’s a very somber day.’
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