Tragic Collision Claims Lives of LSU Athlete and Motorcyclist

In a heartbreaking incident on Wednesday night, a crash on the Louisiana State University campus in Baton Rouge led to the deaths of two individuals, one of whom was a promising athlete from LSU’s women's track team.

The fatal accident occurred at approximately 9:07 p.m., as a Honda Accord, driven south on Nicholas Drive, attempted a left turn onto South Quad Drive. According to the Baton Rouge Police Department's statement released Thursday, the car was then struck by a northbound BMW motorcycle on Nicholson Drive.

The collision was instantly fatal for both the car’s driver and the motorcyclist, 23-year-old Bohdi Linton. Official reports confirmed their deaths at the scene.

LSU Athlete Loss Mourned

The car’s driver was identified as Dillon Reidenauer, an 18-year-old freshman student at LSU with aspirations in interior design, who also competed in women's pole vaulting.

Originally hailing from Abita Springs in Louisiana, Reidenauer was celebrated as one of the state’s leading high school pole vaulters, having achieved significant ranking at state championships.

Expressing profound sorrow, LSU track and field head, Dennis Shaver, remarked on Reidenauer’s untimely departure and extended condolences to all family members and friends affected by the misfortune.

Celebrating Athletic Talent

Though a freshman not yet competing, Reidenauer was training with LSU's esteemed pole vault program, famously influenced by world-record holder Mondo Duplantis. Senior athlete Johanna Duplantis was mentoring her at the time.

In light of this loss, the LSU Athletics Department is offering necessary support to students and staff affected. The team, amidst traveling for the SEC Championships hosted by Texas A&M, expressed appreciation for the support extended by their hosts during this trying period.