American Featherweight Contender Hannah Rapp Fatally Struck by Vehicle During Texas Bike Ride

Hannah Rapp, an American boxer who competed for the World Boxing Council women’s featherweight title in June, died on Saturday after being hit by a car while cycling in Texas, according to law enforcement officials.

Rapp was 26 years old. The Brazos County Sheriff’s Office said a 31-year-old man, identified as Charles Medina, was taken into custody in connection with her death.

Investigators stated that Rapp and another cyclist were traveling along a local road when Medina drove past them, stopped, and then reversed his vehicle into the pair. Rapp was struck and later pronounced dead after being transported to a hospital by emergency personnel.

Authorities booked Medina on a manslaughter charge, defined under Texas law as recklessly causing another person’s death. The sheriff’s office declined to release further information, noting the “isolated” incident remains under active investigation.

News of Rapp’s passing drew condolences from across the professional boxing community.

“The loss of Hannah Rapp leaves us heartbroken,” WBC president Mauricio Sulaiman said in a statement. “She was an exceptional boxer, but above all, an invaluable member of our boxing family.

“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.”

Rapp compiled a professional record of eight wins—five by knockout—and one draw across her first nine bouts. In her tenth appearance, the Yorktown, Indiana, native challenged Tiara Brown of Fort Myers, Florida, for the WBC 126-pound (57.2 kg) crown.

Brown retained the title via unanimous decision at the Caribe Royal Orlando resort in Florida. On Saturday, the champion posted on social media that Rapp “was the best dance partner I have ever faced as a pro”.

“We fought a GREAT fight for the fans from the [first] bell to the last,” Brown wrote. “It was my honor to share the ring with her.”

Medina’s bond had not been set as of Sunday morning, and he remained jailed, according to Brazos County records.

Those records also list prior arrests for Medina on charges including deadly conduct by discharging a firearm, assault causing bodily injury, and reckless driving. Case outcomes were not immediately available.

If convicted of manslaughter in Rapp’s death, Medina faces a possible sentence of two to 20 years in prison under Texas law.

Source link