Boxer Hannah Rapp Dies After Being Hit by Vehicle in Texas

On Saturday, July 18, Hannah Rapp, a boxer competing in the World Boxing Council (WBC) women’s featherweight division, was involved in a fatal accident while cycling in Brazos County, Texas. She was struck by a vehicle and later died in the hospital. Rapp was 26 years old.

The Brazos County Sheriff’s Office issued a statement detailing the incident, noting that deputies responded to a report of a crash between a vehicle and a bicyclist. Emergency medical personnel provided immediate care to Rapp at the scene before transporting her to the hospital, where she succumbed to her injuries.

According to the sheriff’s office investigation, the driver, identified as 31-year-old Charles Medina, passed two cyclists on FM 159. After passing them, Medina stopped his vehicle, reversed, and struck one of the cyclists, who was later confirmed to be Rapp. Medina was arrested and charged with manslaughter.

Local news outlet KBTX reported that investigators described Medina as driving east at a high speed when he overtook two cyclists. One cyclist raised his arms and yelled at the vehicle. Deputies allege Medina then slammed on his brakes, skidded to a stop, shifted into reverse, and quickly accelerated backward, hitting Rapp and knocking her onto the roadway.

Medina told deputies he thought the cyclists were signaling him to stop, so he braked hard and stopped. He stated that he began reversing and did not see the cyclist until the last moment before impact. When asked about his reversing speed, Medina said he was going about 15 miles per hour.

A witness to the incident, identified as Rapp’s boyfriend, told investigators that Medina passed the cyclists at a high speed, about a foot away. He raised his hands and yelled at the driver, who then stopped, reversed, and accelerated before striking Rapp. The impact caused her head to hit the rear window and knocked her onto the road.

KBTX also reported that Medina’s bond was set at $250,000. Since 2012, he has been booked 13 times in Brazos County jail on various charges including evading arrest, reckless driving, criminal mischief, resisting arrest, speeding, escape from custody, hit and run, expired license, and deadly conduct.

Condolences are extended to Hannah Rapp’s family and loved ones during this tragic period.