07/19/26 03:45:00
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07/19 15:44 CDT Rising professional boxer killed by vehicle while riding her
bicycle in rural Texas
Rising professional boxer killed by vehicle while riding her bicycle in rural
Texas
BRYAN, Texas (AP) --- A rising professional boxer who was riding her bicycle
along a rural Texas road died after officials say a motorist drove by her,
stopped and then reversed into her.
Hannah Rapp, 26, was riding with another person Saturday morning when she was
hit, the Brazos County Sheriff's Office said in a news release. Rescue workers
responded and took her to a nearby hospital, where she died, officials said.
The area is located about 80 miles (130 kilometers) northwest of Houston.
World Boxing Council President Mauricio Sulaimn Saldivar said in a statement
that the entire international boxing community is mourning Rapp's loss.
"She was an exceptional fighter, but above all, an invaluable member of our
boxing family," Sulaimn said. "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."
Rapp grew up in Yorktown, Indiana, and graduated from Purdue University in
2022. She moved to Texas in 2024 to take a job as a fire and life safety
inspector at Texas A&M. At the same time, Rapp was training to be a
professional boxer, achieving a record of 8-0-1. Rapp challenged Tiara Brown
last month in Orlando, Florida, for the WBC women's featherweight title but
lost by unanimous decision.
According to the sheriff's office, Charles Medina, 31, had passed Rapp and the
other cyclist in his vehicle before stopping, reversing and striking Rapp.
Investigators didn't immediately offer a motive.
Medina was arrested and charged with manslaughter. He was being held Sunday on
$250,000 bail. Jail and court records didn't list an attorney for him.
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