Life is unpredictable, they say. And sometimes, it’s just downright cruel. Dillon Reidenauer—one of the finest young pole vaulters in the state, could be next Mondo Duplantis. But more than that, just an 18-year-old kid, described by those close to her as “sweet and kind.” Full of promise, full of life. Yet, in one heartbreaking moment, all of that was snatched away, leaving the entire LSU community, including Flau’jae Johnson, grappling with a loss that feels impossible to comprehend.

The freshman tragically lost her life in a car crash on campus in Baton Rouge on Wednesday night. The 18-year-old was one of two people killed in the accident, alongside 23-year-old Bodhi Linton. According to reports, Dillon was driving her Honda Civic on Nicholson Drive around 9 p.m. when she attempted to make a left turn onto South Quad Drive. That’s when a motorcycle heading northbound collided with her car, taking two young lives in a blink.

Dashcam footage captured the devastating moment, with both vehicles bursting into flames on the spot, and the investigation is already on it. But that won’t change the fact that a young life, full of dreams, was lost too soon.

“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,” the university shared in a statement. “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.”

The whole LSU community and fans are reeling from the loss, with messages of love pouring in. Program’s another young star, ‘Big 4,’ kept it simple, sharing just one word on her Instagram story — “RIP 🙏.” 

Sometimes, no words can truly capture the depth of loss.

This comes just moments after Dillon had stepped into a new chapter of her life. She had just graduated from Fontainebleau High School in Mandeville, Louisiana, in May 2024. A proud native of Abita Springs, she had already made her mark, finishing second at the 2024 Louisiana High School Athletic Association State Championships with a clearance of 3.64 meters. 

Now, as LSU tries to come to terms with this tragedy, the university is offering support and compassion to everyone affected.

LSU given space to grieve the heartbreaking loss

We’ve long heard how tough it is to be a student-athlete—balancing classes, training, and just trying to have a life in between. But Dillon Reidenauer was doing it all. She wasn’t just a promising pole vaulter; she was a bright student pursuing a degree in interior design. Her dedication, both in the classroom and on the track, was inspiring.

LSU track and field coach Dennis Shaver emphasized just how much Dillon meant to the team, saying, “We will do everything we can to make sure our student-athletes and staff have the resources they need to process the grief of this terrible loss.”

And that’s exactly what the LSU Athletics department is focused on—helping everyone affected find the space to grieve, talk, and process this tragedy together. The university is making sure students have access to counseling and mental health support, recognizing that the emotional toll of something like this is heavy. 

Back at Fontainebleau High, where Dillon’s journey started, the impact of her loss is just as profound. Athletic director Elicia Ocmond remembered her as “a great student and a great kid.” When the news was shared with students on Thursday, emotions ran high. 

“There are a lot of kids upset,” Ocmond said. “If you asked the teachers, they would tell you that she was a sweet, kind kid.” And you can truly tell how much someone was loved when their loss is felt far beyond their own team. The waves of sadness stretched into the basketball world and beyond.

As we remember Dillon, our hearts go out to her family, friends, teammates, and everyone whose life she touched. It’s moments like these that remind us to hold our loved ones a little closer, cherish the time we have, and support one another through the toughest of days. 

Rest in peace, Dillon.