Left: Hannah Rapp (Instagram). Right: Charles Medina (Brazos County Sheriff”s Office). Background: The 23000 block of FM 159 in Texas where Medina allegedly hit Rapp with his car, killing her (Google Maps).
A Texas motorist allegedly targeted a pair of bicyclists when he passed them on the road before stopping, reversing his vehicle and striking one of them, killing the professional boxer and fire safety inspector.
Charles Eric Medina, 31, is facing a manslaughter charge in the death of 26-year-old Hannah Rapp, the Brazos County Sheriff’s Office said.
Deputies responded to a major crash just before 10 a.m. Saturday in the 23000 block of FM 159. First responders found Rapp lying in the road. They rushed her to the hospital where doctors pronounced her dead.
During the investigation, deputies learned Medina passed two bicyclists who were traveling along the road. After passing the bicyclists, Medina allegedly stopped his vehicle, reversed, and struck one of the cyclists.
Authorities did not say whether Medina’s actions were a result of road rage or for another reason. They described it as an “isolated incident” and said detectives are continuing to gather information.
Rapp challenged for the World Boxing Council’s featherweight championship last month, losing to Tiara Brown in a unanimous decision.
​”The loss of Hannah Rapp leaves us heartbroken,” WBC president Mauricio Sulaiman said in a statement released to ESPN. “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.”
Local Fox affiliate KRIV reports that Rapp was originally from Indiana before moving to the Lone Star State where she worked as a fire and life safety inspector at Texas A&M University.
Most Valuable Promotions said Rapp made a “lasting impression on everyone who had the opportunity to meet her.”
“She was a gifted athlete, a valued member of the boxing community and someone who was deeply respected by those around her,” a statement posted to Instagram said.
Brown also posted a tribute.
“Hannah was such a wonderful soul,” she said. “The entire fight week she brought a different type of vibe everywhere she went. She was strong, tough & ready to show the world she belonged here. Hannah is the best opponent I have faced so far in my pro career.”
Deputies arrested Medina and booked him into the Brazos County Jail, where he is being held on a $250,000 bond. His next court date is not listed.
