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<\/p>\n“The loss of Hannah Rapp leaves us heartbroken. She was an exceptional boxer, but above all, an invaluable member of our boxing family.”<\/p>\n
BRAZOS COUNTY, Texas \u2014 Professional boxer Hannah Rapp, 26, died Saturday after investigators say she was struck by a vehicle while riding her bicycle in Brazos County.<\/p>\n
The crash happened shortly before 10 a.m. on FM 159 south of Wellborn Road near Millican, a community between Bryan and Navasota.<\/p>\n
The driver, 31-year-old Charles Medina, was arrested and charged with manslaughter in Rapp’s death. He remains in the Brazos County Jail.<\/p>\n
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According to court documents, Rapp and her boyfriend were riding bicycles on FM 159 when Medina allegedly passed them at a high rate of speed.<\/p>\n
Investigators said Rapp’s boyfriend raised his hands after the vehicle passed closely. Authorities allege Medina then slammed on the brakes, shifted into reverse and backed into Rapp.<\/p>\n
Court documents state the vehicle was reversing at such a high speed that Rapp’s body shattered the rear windshield. First responders attempted lifesaving measures before she was taken to a hospital, where she later died from her injuries.<\/p>\n
Medina denied intentionally striking Rapp, according to investigators. Deputies said he told them he believed the cyclists were trying to flag him down, prompting him to stop and reverse. Court documents also state that Medina said he did not see Rapp until the last moment before the collision.<\/p>\n
Authorities have not said whether impairment was a factor in the crash. The investigation remains ongoing.<\/p>\n
“The Brazos County Sheriff’s Office extends its deepest condolences to the family and friends of Hannah Rapp during this difficult time,” the sheriff’s office said in a social media post.<\/p>\n
\nBoxing community remembers rising star <\/p>\n
Rapp had trained at Bryan Boxing since moving to the Bryan-College Station area from Indiana three years ago. Following her death, friends, fellow fighters and community members gathered outside the gym, leaving flowers, handwritten notes and messages on a pair of boxing gloves in her honor.<\/p>\n
“I couldn’t believe it. I talked to her the night before,” fellow boxer Diana Olvera said.<\/p>\n
Olvera said Rapp’s rise through the sport made her one of boxing’s brightest prospects.<\/p>\n
“Hannah started fighting a little over five years ago, so to go from being a beginner fighter to fighting for a world championship in five years is insane,” Olvera said.<\/p>\n
Fellow boxer Luciano Camacho remembered Rapp for her dedication.<\/p>\n
“Her work ethic in and out of the gym \u2014 she was disciplined. That was something I really looked up to,” Camacho said.<\/p>\n
Known by the nickname “Hanarchy,” Rapp won the North American Boxing Federation featherweight title and challenged for the World Boxing Council women’s featherweight championship last month, losing to champion Tiara Brown in the 10th round.<\/p>\n
The World Boxing Council said it is mourning Rapp’s death.<\/p>\n
“The loss of Hannah Rapp leaves us heartbroken. She was an exceptional boxer, but above all, an invaluable member of our boxing family,” WBC President Mauricio Sulaim\u00e1n said in a news release. “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
Rapp finished her professional career with an 8-1 record, including five wins by knockout.<\/p>\n
Following her title fight against Brown, Rapp remained optimistic about her future.<\/p>\n
“I know I will be WORLD CHAMP someday!!” she wrote in an Instagram post.<\/a><\/p>\n Friends said Rapp had been working toward that goal until her life was cut short Saturday.<\/p>\n Got a news tip or story idea? Email us at\u00a0newstips@khou.com<\/a>\u00a0or call 713-521-4310 and include your name and the best way to reach you.<\/p>\n