BRAZOS COUNTY, Texas — Professional boxer Hannah Rapp died Saturday after authorities said she was struck by a vehicle while riding her bicycle in Brazos County. She was 26.
The crash occurred shortly before 10 a.m. on FM 159 south of Wellborn Road near Millican, between Bryan and Navasota.
Authorities arrested 31-year-old Charles Medina and charged him with manslaughter in connection with Rapp’s death. He remains in the Brazos County Jail.
According to court documents, Rapp and her boyfriend were riding bicycles on FM 159 when Medina allegedly passed them at a high rate of speed. Investigators said Rapp’s boyfriend raised his hands after the vehicle passed closely.
Court records allege Medina then braked, shifted into reverse and backed into Rapp. Investigators said the vehicle was reversing at a high speed, causing Rapp’s body to shatter the rear windshield.
First responders attempted lifesaving measures before Rapp was taken to a hospital, where she later died.
According to investigators, Medina denied intentionally striking Rapp. He told deputies he believed the cyclists were trying to flag him down, prompting him to stop and reverse. He also said he did not see Rapp until just before the collision.
Authorities have not said whether impairment played a role in the crash. The investigation remains ongoing.
Rapp trained at Bryan Boxing after moving to the Bryan-College Station area from Indiana three years ago. Friends, fellow boxers and community members gathered outside the gym following her death, leaving flowers, handwritten notes and messages in her memory.
Known by the nickname “Hanarchy,” Rapp won the North American Boxing Federation featherweight title and challenged World Boxing Council women’s featherweight champion Tiara Brown last month, losing in the 10th round.
The World Boxing Council honored Rapp in a statement, with President Mauricio Sulaimán calling her “an exceptional boxer” and “an invaluable member of our boxing family.”
Rapp finished her professional career with an 8-1 record, including five knockout victories. After her title fight, she wrote on Instagram: “I know I will be WORLD CHAMP someday!!”