Professional boxer Hannah Rapp, who challenged for the WBC women’s featherweight championship in June, was killed while cycling in Texas on Saturday. Authorities said a driver struck Rapp after passing her and another bicyclist on a local road.
Rapp was 26 years old and had built an unbeaten record across her first nine professional fights. The Brazos County sheriff’s office arrested 31-year-old Charles Medina in connection with her death.
Investigation Into the Fatal Crash
According to the sheriff’s office, Medina passed the two cyclists in his car, stopped, and then drove in reverse. Authorities said the vehicle hit Rapp, who was taken to a hospital and later pronounced dead.
Medina was booked on a manslaughter count, which Texas law defines as recklessly causing another person’s death. The sheriff’s office described the case as isolated and said the investigation remained active and ongoing.
Jail records showed Medina remained in custody on Sunday morning, with no bond amount immediately set. Those records also listed earlier arrests on allegations including deadly conduct by discharging a firearm, assault causing bodily injury, and reckless driving, though the outcomes of those cases were not immediately available.
A Promising Boxing Career Cut Short
Rapp, a native of Yorktown, Indiana, recorded eight victories and one draw in her first nine professional bouts. Five of her wins came by knockout.
| Career Detail | Record or Result |
|---|---|
| Professional record before title fight | 8 wins, 5 knockouts, 1 draw |
| WBC women’s featherweight title bout | Lost by unanimous decision to Tiara Brown |
| Championship weight class | 126lb (57.2kg) |
For her 10th professional outing, Rapp faced Tiara Brown of Fort Myers, Florida, for the World Boxing Council’s 126lb title. Brown retained the belt by unanimous decision at the Caribe Royal Orlando resort in Florida.
Tributes From the Boxing Community
World Boxing Council president Mauricio Sulaimán said Rapp’s death had devastated the boxing community. “The loss of Hannah Rapp leaves us heartbroken,” Sulaimán said in a prepared statement.
He described her as “an exceptional boxer” and “an invaluable member of our boxing family.” Sulaimán added that the organization joined the grief felt by her loved ones, team, and supporters.
Brown also paid tribute to Rapp in a social media post after learning of her death. “She was the best dance partner I have ever faced as a pro,” Brown wrote.
“We fought a GREAT fight for the fans from the [first] bell to the last,” Brown added. “It was my honor to share the ring with her.”
If convicted of manslaughter in Rapp’s death, Medina could face a prison sentence of between two and 20 years under Texas law. The case remains under investigation by the Brazos County sheriff’s office.