BRAZOS COUNTY, TX— Hannah Rapp, a rising professional boxer and former Purdue track athlete from Yorktown, Indiana, has died after being struck by a vehicle while riding her bicycle in Texas. She was 26 years old.
The fatal incident occurred shortly before 10:00 a.m. on Saturday along FM 159 near Millican, a rural community situated between Bryan and Navasota.
First responders provided emergency medical care at the scene, but Rapp was rushed to a nearby hospital, where she succumbed to her injuries.
Driver Charged with Manslaughter
The Brazos County Sheriff’s Office arrested 31-year-old Charles Medina in connection with Rapp’s death. He has been booked into the Brazos County Detention Center on a charge of manslaughter, with a bond set at $250,000.
According to court documents and investigators:
- Medina passed two cyclists—Rapp and her boyfriend—at a high rate of speed on FM 159.
- Rapp’s boyfriend threw his hands in the air and shouted at the passing vehicle.
- Medina allegedly slammed on his brakes, placed the car in reverse, and backed up, striking Rapp.
When questioned by authorities, Medina claimed he believed the cyclists were attempting to flag him down and said he did not see Rapp until just before impact. Public records indicate Medina has prior arrests in the area for offenses including reckless driving, assault causing bodily injury, and deadly conduct.
From Purdue Track to Championship Boxing
A native of Yorktown, Indiana, Rapp graduated from Yorktown High School in 2018 before attending Purdue University, where she competed as a track athlete.
She later relocated to College Station, Texas, balancing a career as a full-time fire and life safety inspector at Texas A&M University while pursuing combat sports. After winning two Indiana Golden Gloves titles, Rapp made her professional boxing debut in April 2024. She quickly established herself as a formidable force, winning the North American Boxing Federation (NABF) Featherweight Championship.
Before her tragic death, Rapp built a professional record of 8–1–1 with five knockouts. Her sole professional loss came in a hard-fought world title bout against WBC World Featherweight Champion Tiara Brown.
“I know I will be WORLD CHAMP someday!!” Rapp wrote on Instagram following her title fight.
Tributes Pour In
News of Rapp’s sudden passing has sent shockwaves through her hometown community and the international boxing world.
WBC President Mauricio Sulaimán expressed heartbreak over the loss, stating:
“The loss of Hannah Rapp leaves us heartbroken. 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.”
WBC Champion Tiara Brown also honored her former opponent on social media, calling Rapp “the best dance partner I have ever faced as a pro”.
Yorktown High School
Stacey Brewer, Principal of Yorktown High School, released a statement on behalf of the school community:
“The Yorktown High School community is heartbroken to learn of the tragic passing of our alumna, Hannah Rapp, Class of 2018… Hannah was a valued member of our school community, and we extend our deepest sympathies to her family, friends, classmates, teammates, and everyone whose lives she touched. She will be remembered for her determination, work ethic, kindness, sense of humor, and the positive impact she had on those around her.”
Triumph Boxing & Martial Arts
Coaches at her training gym remembered her relentless work ethic and infectious spirit.
Coach Dubois Johnson said, “She was a coach’s dream. She did everything with a good attitude. She worked her butt off.”
Taylor Deer (Co-owner) said, “There were no limits for her, just because of her effort and her dedication, and it’s extremely sad to say that that was cut short.”
The Brazos County Sheriff’s Office stated that the investigation into the crash remains active and ongoing.
For more video coverage on the incident and the charges filed against the suspect, check out this news report detailing the Brazos County Road Rage Attack. This video provides a quick broadcast overview of the charges and the initial sheriff’s office investigation.
Those facing criminal charges are considered innocent until proven guilty through a fair and due legal process. Accusations alone do not imply guilt; the judicial system will evaluate the presented evidence to reach a verdict.
