Hannah Rapp, a 26-year-old American boxer, died on Saturday after being struck by a car while cycling in Brazos County, Texas [1, 2, 3, 4]. The vehicle, driven by 31-year-old Charles Medina, passed Rapp and another cyclist before stopping, reversing, and hitting her [1, 2, 3, 4]. Emergency responders transported Rapp to a hospital where she was pronounced dead [4].
Medina was arrested by the Brazos County Sheriff's Office and charged with manslaughter in connection with Rapp's death [1, 2, 3, 4]. He has prior arrests for firearm-related deadly conduct, assault causing bodily injury, and reckless driving [4]. Under Texas law, he could face 2 to 20 years in prison if convicted [4].
Rapp turned professional in 2024 and maintained a full-time job as a fire and life safety inspector while pursuing boxing [1]. She held a professional record of 8 wins, 1 draw, and 1 loss and was the North American Boxing Federation featherweight titleholder [2, 3, 4]. In June, she challenged Tiara Brown for the WBC women's featherweight world championship but lost by unanimous decision [1, 2, 3, 4].
Brown praised Rapp as "the best dance partner I have ever faced as a pro" and said, "We fought a GREAT fight for the fans from the [first] bell to the last. It was my honor to share the ring with her" [1, 4]. WBC president Mauricio Sulaiman described Rapp as "an exceptional boxer" and "an invaluable member of our boxing family," adding, "We join in the grief that overwhelms her loved ones, her team, and all those who had the privilege of knowing and supporting her throughout her brilliant career" [1, 2].
Medina’s court proceedings are pending following his arrest on July 19, a day after Rapp’s death on July 18 [2, 3, 4].
