Louisiana State University (LSU) freshman pole vaulter Dillon Reidenauer, 18, and motorcyclist Bodhi Linton, 23, died in a fiery collision near Tiger Stadium on Wednesday evening, February 26, 2025, according to university officials and police reports.
The accident occurred around 9:15 p.m. at the intersection of Nicholson Drive and South Quad Drive on the LSU campus.
Reidenauer’s Honda Accord was turning left onto South Quad Drive when it was struck by a motorcycle driven by Linton, who was traveling northbound on Nicholson Drive. Both vehicles burst into flames immediately following the impact.
Emergency responders arrived at the scene where LSU Police initially attempted to extinguish the fire before firefighters arrived. Sources told WBRZ that both drivers likely died or lost consciousness immediately upon impact.
“We are devastated by the tragic passing of Dillon Reidenauer, who was taken from us much too soon,” LSU track and field coach Dennis Shaver said in a statement released by the university.
Reidenauer, a native of Abita Springs, Louisiana, had recently joined the Tigers track and field team after a stellar high school career. She was pursuing a degree in interior design at LSU and was considered one of the top pole vaulters in the state.
“She had her heart set on LSU and she was going to do whatever it took to get that goal,” Fontainebleau High School track coach Sam Sanders told the media.
During her high school career at Fontainebleau, Reidenauer established herself as one of Louisiana’s premier pole vaulters, finishing second at the 2024 Louisiana High School Athletic Association (LHSAA) State 5A Championships. She had also placed fourth in the same competition during her junior year.
Former teachers and coaches remembered Reidenauer as an exceptional student with a positive attitude. Jamie Mouton, one of her former teachers, described her as always being in a good mood with a bright smile.
“Dillon was a model student-athlete. She was the kind of person any coach would want on any team,” Sanders added, highlighting her dedication both in athletics and academics.
Linton, the motorcyclist involved in the accident, was from Prairieville, Louisiana. According to some reports, Linton’s mother, Juanita Z. Linton, had also died in a motorcycle crash in May 2024.
The LSU Athletics Department released a statement expressing their grief over the loss of Reidenauer, expressing their thoughts and prayers with her friends and family.
The university has committed to providing resources and support to student-athletes and staff affected by the loss. Coach Shaver also acknowledged the support offered by Texas A&M University, as the LSU track team was in College Station for the SEC Championships at the time of the incident.
News of Reidenauer’s death reached her former high school, where students and staff were reportedly upset by the loss of their recent graduate. Fontainebleau High School made an announcement to students about her passing.
Prior to joining LSU, Reidenauer had earned recognition as MileSplit LA Girls’ Performer of the Week, adding to her accomplishments as a high school athlete. She had expressed excitement about attending LSU and competing for the university’s prestigious track and field program.
The LSU Police Department has since cleared the scene and reopened the roadways for normal use. The crash occurred less than a quarter-mile from Tiger Stadium, in an area heavily traveled by students and staff.
The incident has deeply affected both the LSU and Fontainebleau communities, with tributes and condolences pouring in for both Reidenauer and Linton.
