Hannah Rapp, who fought for the WBC women’s featherweight title last month, was struck by a car while riding a bicycle and died Saturday morning in Texas, according to the Brazos County Sheriff’s Office.
Rapp, 26, was riding along a highway when a passing car stopped, went in reverse and hit her, per the sheriff’s office. Rapp was pronounced dead after being transported to a local hospital.
Police identified the driver as Charles Medina, 31, who was arrested and charged with manslaughter. Medina was being held at the Brazos County Detention Center. According to jail records, this is his 13th time of being booked since 2012. He was being held on $250,000 bond.
“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.”
A native of Yorktown, Ind., Rapp was a track athlete at Purdue before taking up boxing and relocating to College Station, Texas. She turned pro in 2024 while working full-time as a fire and life safety inspector at Texas A&M.
Rapp took an 8-0-1 record into her title match against Tiara Brown at MVPW-04 at Caribe Royale Resort in Orlando on June 13. Brown won by a unanimous decision.
On an Instagram post from Most Valuable Promotions that paid tribute to Rapp, Brown wrote, “The boxing world mourns the loss of this champion. Hannah was such a wonderful soul. The entire fight week she brought a different type of vibe everywhere she went.
“She was strong, tough & ready to show the world she belonged here. Hannah is the best opponent I have faced so far in my pro career. I’m grateful God allowed her to fight on a big stage so she could follow her dreams. I vow to continue her legacy for the rest of my career. R.I.P Hanarchy.”
–Field Level Media
