Boxer Hannah Rapp dies at 26 after bicycle collision in Texas
Hannah Rapp, a recent WBC featherweight title challenger, was killed while cycling in Brazos County, authorities said.
By Deshawn Carter · Sports Writer
3 min read
Hannah Rapp, the unbeaten-turned-title-contender boxer who fought for the WBC women’s featherweight belt last month, died Saturday morning after she was hit by a car while riding a bicycle in Brazos County, Texas, according to the Brazos County Sheriff’s Office. She was 26.
The sheriff’s office said Rapp was cycling on a highway when a car passed her, stopped suddenly, reversed and struck her. Authorities said she was taken to a local hospital, where she was pronounced dead.
Police identified the driver as Charles Medina, 31. According to the sheriff’s office, Medina was arrested and charged with manslaughter and was being held at the Brazos County Detention Center. No comment from Medina was reported.
Rapp’s death drew a public tribute from the World Boxing Council, whose featherweight title she challenged for in June.
“The loss of Hannah Rapp leaves us heartbroken,” WBC president Mauricio Sulaiman said in a prepared 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.”
From Purdue track to pro boxing
Rapp was from Yorktown, Indiana, and competed in track at Purdue University before moving into boxing. She later relocated to College Station, Texas.
She turned professional in 2024 while also working full time as a fire and life safety inspector at Texas A&M University, according to ESPN.
In the ring, Rapp moved quickly. She opened her pro career with an 8-0-1 record, a start that put her in position for a WBC women’s featherweight championship fight against Tiara Brown.
That bout took place in June at MVPW-04 at Caribe Royale Resort in Orlando. Rapp lost by unanimous decision, but the fight marked her arrival on a bigger stage in the sport.
Opponent pays tribute
Brown responded to Rapp’s death in a comment on an Instagram tribute posted by Most Valuable Promotions. Brown called Rapp “the best dance partner I have ever faced as a pro.”
Brown also recalled a moment before their title fight, writing that Rapp asked for her autograph even as the two were preparing to meet in the ring.
“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.
Rapp’s death comes just weeks after the highest-profile fight of her professional career, cutting short a boxing rise that had taken her from a college track background to a world title opportunity in less than two years as a pro.
This story draws on original reporting from ESPN.com.