A tragic accident on Nicholson Drive took the life of LSU freshman Dillon Joyce Reidenauer, an 18-year-old student athlete. The Baton Rouge Police Department reported that Reidenauer's Honda Accord was hit by a motorcycle on Wednesday night near Tiger Stadium as she tried to turn onto South Quad Drive. The motorcycle, ridden by 23-year-old Bodhi Linton, collided with her car, and both died in the fire that followed, as reported by WWLTV.
Reidenauer, hailing from Abita Springs, was a pole vaulter on the LSU Track & Field team and had vaulted her way to college-level athletics after an impressive run at Fontainebleau High School. Fondest memories describe a vibrant, positive force in Reidenauer's former high school teacher, Jamie Mouton, told WWLTV, "That’s Dillon, I mean, big smile. Always in a good mood. Never in a bad mood." Similarly, her presence in the LSU Athletics community is mourned with Head Coach Dennis Shaver stating, "Everyone in our LSU Track & Field family is keeping Dillon’s loved ones in our thoughts and prayers."
The tributes continue to flow from those who knew her well, and the impact of her passing resonates through the LSU community and her hometown. Sydney Wycoff, a former swim teammate and friend of Dillon’s, expressed sentiments to FOX 8 Live saying, "She always had a smile on her face, she was so positive all the time." Mitch Rabalais, a family friend, further highlighted the far-reaching consequences of her untimely death. "This is a loss that’s going to be found by her family or community and those are near for a long long time," Rabalais shared.
As the community attempts to slowly navigate forward amidst grief, funeral services are scheduled for Thursday. According to a statement by Louisiana First News, the services will be held at St. Joseph Abbey Church in St. Benedict, with visitation beginning at 1 p.m., words of remembrance at 1:45 p.m., and a Funeral Mass at 2 p.m. A private burial will follow thereafter. LSU Athletics has promised to continue providing support and resources to those affected by the tragedy.
Reidenauer's family has asked that in lieu of flowers, donations could be made to Teens Encounter Christ. Interested donors can contribute by mailing checks to T.E.C. New Orleans, located at 2241 Mendez Street, New Orleans, LA 70122 or through Venmo @tecconference.
