US Boxer Hannah Rapp Dies at 26 After Being Hit by Car While Cycling; Man Charged With Manslaughter
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American professional boxer Hannah Rapp has died at the age of 26 after being struck by a vehicle while cycling in Texas, just weeks after challenging for the WBC women's featherweight world championship.
The incident occurred on Saturday in Brazos County, Texas, according to reporting citing the Brazos County Sheriff's Office. Rapp was taken to hospital following the collision but did not survive her injuries. A 31-year-old man, identified in reports as Charles Medina, was arrested and charged with manslaughter. Authorities are continuing to investigate the circumstances surrounding the incident.
The sudden death of Rapp, a rising figure in women's boxing, has prompted tributes from across the sport, including from her recent opponent Tiara Brown and members of the wider boxing community.
What Happened to Hannah Rapp?
According to the Brazos County Sheriff's Office account reported by multiple outlets, Rapp was cycling with another person when a vehicle passed the cyclists. Authorities allege that the driver subsequently stopped and reversed the vehicle, striking Rapp.
Emergency services responded and Rapp was transported for medical treatment, but she later died.
The driver was arrested and charged with manslaughter. The charge is an allegation, and the circumstances of the case will be determined through the legal process. Authorities have described the investigation as ongoing.
Rapp Had Challenged for WBC World Title Just Weeks Earlier
Rapp's death comes at a moment when her professional boxing career appeared to be reaching a new level.
In June, she challenged Tiara Brown for the WBC women's featherweight championship in Orlando. Rapp lost the bout, but her performance on the world-title stage further established her as a serious competitor in the division.
The title fight represented one of the biggest moments of Rapp's young career. Her death only weeks later has stunned those who followed her rise through professional boxing.
Originally from Yorktown, Indiana, Rapp had moved to Texas as she pursued her boxing career. Reports said she had built an impressive professional record before receiving her opportunity to compete for the WBC featherweight crown.
Tiara Brown Pays Tribute to Former Opponent
Brown, who shared the ring with Rapp in June, was among those paying tribute following news of her death.
She described Rapp as the "best dance partner I have ever faced as a pro," according to Sky Sports, reflecting on the respect that developed between the two fighters surrounding their championship contest.
Their fight had placed Rapp in front of a wider international boxing audience and demonstrated how quickly her career had progressed.
Tributes have also come from prominent figures and organizations within boxing. Reports said the World Boxing Council mourned Rapp's death, while members of the boxing community remembered her talent, determination and personality.
Boxing Community Mourns a Rising Fighter
Rapp's death has sent shockwaves through women's boxing because of both her age and the trajectory of her career.
At just 26, she had already reached the level of challenging for one of boxing's major world championships. Her appearance against Brown suggested that she could remain part of the featherweight title picture for years to come.
Instead, the boxing community is now mourning a fighter whose career and life ended suddenly.
The case surrounding the collision remains under investigation, while the man charged with manslaughter will face the allegations through the criminal justice system.
For Rapp's family, friends, teammates and fellow fighters, however, the immediate focus has turned to remembering a young athlete who had only recently competed on one of the biggest stages of her career.
SCN NEWS extends its condolences to Hannah Rapp's family, friends and the boxing community.