American boxer Hannah Rapp has died at the age of 26 after being struck by a car while riding her bicycle in Texas, authorities said. <\/p>\n
The Brazos County Sheriff’s Office said Rapp died on Saturday following the collision. A month earlier, she had challenged Tiara Brown for the WBC featherweight championship, losing by unanimous decision, News.Az<\/a> reports, citing Reuters<\/a>.<\/p>\n Rapp compiled a professional record of eight wins, one draw and one defeat, capturing the North American Boxing<\/a> Federation featherweight title before earning her world title opportunity.<\/p>\n The boxing community paid tribute to the rising fighter following news of her death.<\/p>\n “She was an exceptional boxer, but above all, an invaluable member of our boxing family,” World Boxing Council (WBC) President Mauricio Sulaiman said.<\/p>\n “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.”<\/p>\n Authorities said Charles Medina, 31, has been arrested and charged with manslaughter in connection with the fatal crash.<\/p>\n The circumstances surrounding the collision remain under investigation by the Brazos County Sheriff’s Office.<\/p>\n Rapp’s death comes just weeks after the biggest fight of her professional career and has prompted an outpouring of tributes from fellow fighters, officials and members of the boxing community.<\/p>\n