Rising boxer Hannah Rapp killed in Texas cycling crash; man charged with manslaughter

Rising professional boxer Hannah "Hanarchy" Rapp, who recently challenged for a world title, was killed while riding her bicycle in Brazos County after investigators say a driver struck her with his vehicle.

According to an affidavit obtained by KBTX, Brazos County Sheriff's deputies responded around 9:50 a.m. July 18 to the 23000 block of FM 159 after receiving reports that a bicyclist had been struck by a vehicle. Deputies found Rapp unresponsive in the roadway. She was taken to Baylor Scott & White Hospital, where she later died.

Authorities identified the driver as Charles Eric Medina.

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The affidavit alleges Medina was driving eastbound on FM 159 when he sped past Rapp and another cyclist. After one of the cyclists threw up his arms and yelled toward the vehicle, investigators say Medina slammed on the brakes, shifted into reverse and accelerated backward, striking Rapp.

According to the affidavit, investigators documented braking and reverse skid marks, as well as damage to Medina's vehicle that they say was inconsistent with his claim that he was reversing at about 15 mph. A witness identified as Rapp's boyfriend told investigators Medina passed within about a foot of the cyclists before stopping, reversing and hitting Rapp.

Investigators wrote that the physical evidence - including skid marks, vehicle damage and Rapp's final resting position - indicated a far more severe impact than Medina described.

Jail records show Medina was arrested on a manslaughter charge. He remians in the Brazos County jail on a $250,000 bond.

Rapp was one of women's boxing's fastest-rising prospects.

 According to Chron, the featherweight compiled an 8-1-1 record with five knockouts after making her professional debut in April 2024. The Indiana native later moved to College Station, where she trained at Bryan Boxing Club while working at Texas A&M University.

Most recently, Rapp challenged Tiara Brown for the WBC featherweight title in June.

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The boxing world quickly mourned Rapp's death, with fellow fighters, trainers and fans remembering her talent, determination and infectious personality.

Most Valuable Promotions, which represented Rapp, honored her in a statement:

"MVP is honored to have been a small part of Hannah's journey. A beautiful person and a brilliant boxer is how she will be remembered by all of us at MVP. Went to war and smiled right after."

The promotion also said: "Our thoughts are with Hannah's family, friends, teammates, coaches and loved ones during this incredibly difficult time. We are grateful to have shared a part of her journey and will honor her memory in the weeks ahead. Rest in peace, Hannah. You will be deeply missed."

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