Boxer Hannah Rapp killed by Texas driver while cycling
US boxer Hannah Rapp, 26, was struck and killed by a driver while cycling in Texas on Saturday, police say. Brazos County authorities arrested Charles Medina, 31, on a manslaughter charge after he allegedly reversed into Rapp. She had fought for a WBC title in June.
Key Takeaways
- Hannah Rapp, a 26-year-old US boxer, was killed while cycling in Brazos County, Texas, on Saturday.
- Charles Medina, 31, was arrested and charged with manslaughter after allegedly reversing his car into Rapp.
- Rapp had challenged for the WBC women's featherweight title in June, finishing her career after a unanimous-decision loss.
- Boxing figures including WBC president Mauricio Sulaimán and champion Tiara Brown paid tribute.
What happened to Hannah Rapp in Texas?
According to the Brazos County sheriff's office, Rapp and a fellow cyclist were riding on a local road when Medina passed them in his car, stopped, and drove in reverse. He then hit Rapp, who was pronounced dead after emergency responders took her to a hospital.
An affidavit cited by local reporting alleges Medina passed the cyclists at high speed with little room to spare, then slammed on his brakes, put the vehicle in reverse, and accelerated backward into Rapp. Medina told investigators he thought the riders were flagging him down and said he was reversing at about 15 mph; authorities said physical evidence, including skid marks and severe rear damage, did not match that account.
Medina remained in custody. Jail records and local reports put his bond at $250,000. Under Texas law, manslaughter is defined as recklessly causing a person's death and can carry two to 20 years in prison if there is a conviction. For more celebrity and sports breaking coverage, see BlasterPost Celebrity Breaking News.
Who was Hannah Rapp and why does her death matter?
Rapp, a Yorktown, Indiana, native, turned professional in 2024 after relocating to College Station, Texas. She worked full time as a fire and life safety inspector at Texas A&M University while building her boxing career, The Guardian and other outlets reported.
She went 8-0-1 in her first nine pro bouts, with five knockouts, before challenging Tiara Brown for the WBC women's featherweight championship in Orlando in June. Brown retained the belt by unanimous decision. On Saturday, Brown called Rapp "the best dance partner I have ever faced as a pro" and said it was an honor to share the ring with her.
WBC president Mauricio Sulaimán said the loss left the organization heartbroken, praising Rapp as an exceptional boxer and an invaluable member of the boxing family.
What charges does the Texas driver face?
Deputies booked Medina on manslaughter. The sheriff's office described the matter as an isolated case that remained under active investigation and did not release further detail in its initial statement.
Jail records referenced in reporting also showed prior arrests for Medina on counts including deadly conduct by discharging a firearm, assault causing bodily injury, and reckless driving; dispositions for those earlier cases were not immediately available. The investigation into Rapp's death was ongoing as of Sunday.