Rising Boxer Hannah Rapp Killed in Texas Crash

A promising professional boxer has died following what authorities are calling an intentional vehicle attack in Texas. Hannah Rapp, 26, was killed Saturday while riding her bicycle in Brazos County after a driver allegedly reversed his vehicle into her in what investigators believe was a road rage incident.

The Brazos County Sheriff's Office reported that Charles Medina passed Rapp on the roadway before stopping his vehicle and deliberately backing into her. Medina was subsequently arrested and charged with manslaughter. The investigation remains ongoing.

Rapp had established herself as one of boxing's emerging talents in the featherweight division. The Indiana native competed in track and field at Purdue University before relocating to College Station, Texas, where she turned professional in 2024. While pursuing her boxing career, she maintained full-time employment as a fire and life safety inspector at Texas A&M University.

Her professional record stood at 8-0-1 entering last month's WBC women's featherweight title fight against Tiara Brown. Though Rapp lost that bout by unanimous decision, her performance earned respect from her opponent and the broader boxing community.

Brown honored Rapp's memory on Instagram, describing her as "the best dance partner I have ever faced as a pro," according to TMZ.com. Brown recalled that Rapp had asked for her autograph before their championship fight, a gesture that touched her deeply given the competitive nature of their upcoming match. "We fought a GREAT fight for the fans from the 1st bell to the last! It was my honor to share the ring with her," Brown wrote, TMZ.com reported.

WBC President Mauricio Sulaiman issued a statement mourning the loss, telling TMZ.com that the boxing community is "heartbroken" by the death of "an exceptional boxer" and "an invaluable member of our boxing family."

The tragedy has sent shockwaves through the boxing world, cutting short a career that showed significant promise. Rapp's ability to balance professional athletics with a demanding career in fire and life safety demonstrated the dedication and work ethic that had propelled her rise through the ranks of women's boxing.

Authorities have not released additional details about the circumstances leading up to the alleged road rage incident. The manslaughter charge against Medina reflects the preliminary determination by investigators that the collision was intentional rather than accidental.