A professional boxer died following a collision with a vehicle in rural Texas, located approximately 80 miles northwest of Houston. Hannah Rapp, 26, was riding her bicycle with another person when a motorist drove past her, then reversed and struck her on Saturday morning. Emergency responders transported her to a nearby hospital, where she was pronounced dead.
Rapp was originally from Yorktown, Indiana, and earned a degree from Purdue University in 2022. She relocated to Texas in 2024 to work as a fire and life safety inspector at Texas A&M University while simultaneously pursuing a career in professional boxing. She compiled a professional record of 8-0-1 and recently competed for the WBC women’s featherweight title against Tiara Brown in Orlando, Florida last month, losing by unanimous decision.
World Boxing Council President Mauricio Sulaimán Saldivar released a statement expressing the boxing community’s grief over her death. He characterized Rapp as an exceptional fighter and a valued member of the international boxing community, extending condolences to her family, team, and associates.
Charles Medina, 31, was arrested and charged with manslaughter in connection with the incident. According to the Brazos County Sheriff’s Office, Medina passed both cyclists in his vehicle before stopping, reversing, and striking Rapp. Investigators have not disclosed a motive for the actions. Medina was being held on $250,000 bail as of Sunday, with no attorney listed in court records.
Originally reported by AP News. Read the full story →