Boxing star Hannah Rapp killed by alleged road rage driver while cycling in Texas

A rising star boxer was killed after she was struck by an alleged road rage driver who deliberately reversed into her as she rode her bike along a Texas highway, police said.

Hannah Rapp, 26, who challenged for the WBC women’s featherweight championship last month, died Saturday morning after being struck by a car, according to a statement from the Brazos County Sheriff’s Office.

The driver of the car, Charles Medina, 31, was later arrested and charged with manslaughter and was being held at the Brazos County Detention Center, according to police.

Authorities said Medina passed two bicyclists, including Rapp, before stopping his vehicle and deliberately reversing, striking Rapp.

A native of Yorktown, Indiana, Rapp ran track at Purdue University before she took up boxing.

She relocated to College Station, Texas, turning pro in 2024 while still working full time as a fire and life safety inspector at Texas A&M University, ESPN reported.

Rapp started her boxing career 8-0-1, and, last month, challenged Tiara Brown for the WBC women’s featherweight title at Caribe Royale Resort in Orlando, Florida, ultimately losing a unanimous decision.

Brown paid tribute to her former opponent, describing Rapp as “the best dance partner I have ever faced as a pro,” in a comment on an Instagram post from Most Valuable Promotions announcing her death.

“When she asked for my autograph, it filled my heart because we were getting ready for war, yet she was still asking for my autograph. It made me smile, we fought a GREAT fight for the fans from the 1st bell to the last! It was my honor to share the ring with her,” Brown wrote.

Tributes were also paid to Rapp by WBC’s President, Mauricio Sulaiman.

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

“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,” Sulaiman added.