LSU Pole Vaulter, 18, Who Died in On-Campus Car Crash Remembered for ‘Big Smile’

Dillon Reidenauer, a Louisiana State University freshman pole vaulter who died in an on-campus car crash last week, is being remembered by teammates, coaches, and former teachers for having a “big smile” and being a “sweet, kind” friend.

Reidenauer, 18, was one of two people killed in a fiery car crash on LSU’s campus on Wednesday, Feb. 26 when 23-year-old motorcyclist Bodhi Linton collided with her car, causing both vehicles to “immediately burst into flames,” according to local WBRZ.

In the days since Reidenauer’s death, those who knew the 18-year-old standout pole vaulter have shared memories about her competitive drive and upbeat personality.

“If you asked the teachers, they would tell you that she was a sweet, kind kid,” Elicia Ocmond, the athletic director at Fontainebleau High School in Louisiana, told local news outlet NOLA recently, remembering the late track and field star.

Reidenauer’s former high school track coach Sam Sanders told the outlet that the LSU freshman was “one of the most driven people” he’d ever met.

“Dillon was a model student-athlete,” Sanders told NOLA. “She was the kind of person any coach would want on any team.”

One of Reidenauer’s former high school teachers Hamie Mouton told local WWL-TV this week that Reidenauer was known for her “big smile.”

“That’s Dillon, I mean, big smile. Always in a good mood. Never in a bad mood,” Mouton told the outlet. “It’s very sad.”

LSU head track and field coach Dennis Shaver said the team is “devastated” by Reidenauer’s death.

“Everyone in our LSU Track & 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,” Shaver added. “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.”

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The university had touted the Abita Springs, La., native as “one of the best pole vaulters in the state of Louisiana coming out of high school” after she committed to LSU to continue her track and field career. In her senior year of high school, Reidenauer had earned a silver medal in the outdoor LHSAA State Championships and bronze in the state’s indoor competition.

“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’s athletic department said 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.”

Reidenauer’s funeral is set to take place Thursday, according to WWL-TV.