Sitting on a podium with the LSU banner hanging over the table, pen in her hand, smile on her face, surrounded by her family, she committed to LSU. Probably carrying dreams, spirits, and hopes to make one of her ‘biggest cheerleaders<3,’ her dad proud. She was a budding track and field athlete in the state of Louisiana. One of the top prep pole vaulters in the state. Also, before joining the LSU Tigers as a freshman, she was the fourth at the state meet. She was off to a great start soaring high. Probably on the way to becoming another Mondo Duplantis, However, destiny had something else in store and Dillon Reidenauer didn’t have that luck! Dreams have been broken, and hearts are shattered!

On February 27, the official website of the LSU Tigers confirmed that freshman Dillon Reidenauer lost her life in a traffic incident on Wednesday night. The incident involving a car and a motorcycle happened on campus, on the corner of Nicholson Drive and South Quad Drive. On a further note, the dashcam footage showed that in a turn, the motorcycle hit the car, and both vehicles burst into flame at the place of occurrence. However, the investigation has already identified the individual whose bike hit the car. But the damage has already been done. 

Dillon Reidenauer is no more. Losing her, the LSU track and field bunch has lost an emerging star with endless possibilities in the sport. Naturally, the sad tone took over everything. On February 27, the official handle dropped the news on X simultaneously. The caption read, “It is with immense sadness that we announce the passing of freshman Dillon Reidenauer.” Under it, a fan wrote, “Rest in Peace.” Only three words yet powerful enough to break someone’s heart! The fans felt it. The officials also felt it! 

Louisiana State University’s athletic department also shared an official statement on the entire scenario. The statement had heartfelt words for those who faced the ultimate loss because of the track and field athlete’s demise. It read, “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 word “tragic loss” might fall short of measuring the actual loss in the scene. Dillon Reidenauer was among the brightest crop of athletes coming out of Fontainebleau High School. Her spark was visible during her graduation days in High School. Such as?

Dillon placed second in the 2024 LHSAA State 5A Championships with a clearance of 3.64 meters. Moreover, the 18-year-old had a special interest in the 100m sprint. At LSU, she aspired to continue her track and field career while also studying interior design. However, every option collapsed like a house of cards on Wednesday night. In the LSU track and field head coach, Dennis Shaver’s words, she was ‘taken from LSU much too soon.’ Meanwhile, the LSU and track and field sports fans shared their emotions on X, under the post shared by the LSU track and field official handle. 

The track and field sports fans drop tears on the untimely news

“My sincerest condolences to the families and everyone else impacted by this tragedy.” The message came from Harrison Martingayle, associate general counsel, NABCA. Moreover, he was once a part of the LSU track and field team. But anything about her family? Coming from Abita Springs, La., she is survived by her parents and sister. The loss undoubtedly stands profound for them. However, in such a critical situation, the track and field fans have decided to stand beside them. 

Echoing the same emotion, someone wrote in the comment box, “My sincerest condolences to Dillon’s family friends & LSU teammates & coaches.” Meanwhile, the athletic department of Texas A&M has also come forward to console the LSU Tigers athletic department. Such sharing between the SEC rivals has come out to be an example. In the meantime, another fan penned in the comment box, “This is heartbreaking bro. rest in peace.” Someone went a step ahead on the road of emotion. His/her comment read, “Fly high Angel. May God provide the family with strength and comfort.” Dillon Reidenauer had the wish to fly high. She didn’t have wings. But she had the pole vault. Using that, she once crossed 3.64 meters. But now she has wings, and her fans want her to fly to the place where there’s no pain or grief.