The news of Hannah Rapp's tragic death while cycling in Texas has sent shockwaves through the boxing and cycling communities. The 26-year-old boxer, who had recently competed in her first world title shot, was killed when a motorist struck her with his vehicle on 18 July. As tributes pour in for the promising athlete, questions are being raised about the driver's actions and the circumstances surrounding the incident.
Organisations and individuals have been paying their respects to Rapp, who was remembered as an "amazing lady and soul" by her training gym in Texas, Bryan Boxing. The Aggieland Cycling club also highlighted her "kindness and excitement for life," which inspired those around her. Most Valuable Promotions, which promoted Rapp's bout against Tiara Brown on 13 June 2026, described her as "a beautiful person and a brilliant boxer" who "went to war and smiled right after."
According to the Brazos County Sheriff's office, Rapp and her boyfriend were cycling on a highway in Navasota, Texas, when they were involved in an incident with 31-year-old Charles Medina. A sworn affidavit alleges that Medina sped past the couple, then slammed his brakes, skidded to a stop, and accelerated in reverse, striking Rapp with such force that his "rear windshield was shattered completely." Emergency responders found Rapp unresponsive, and she was pronounced dead at a hospital.
Medina reportedly told investigators that he believed the couple was flagging him down and that he was reversing slowly at approximately 15mph. However, investigators noted that the physical evidence on scene contradicted his account, including skid marks, the severity of damage to the vehicle and the victim’s final resting position.
The sheriff's office has charged Medina with manslaughter, which is defined under Texas law as recklessly causing a person's death. While they have not explicitly labelled the incident as road rage, an investigation is ongoing. Medina's past includes prior arrests for alleged deadly conduct by discharging a firearm, assault causing bodily injury, and reckless driving.
He is currently being held in Brazos County jail on a $250,000 bond. If convicted of manslaughter, he could face between two and 20 years in prison under Texas law. The incident has also sparked calls for legislation to expand judicial authority to deny or revoke bond for defendants with "documented violent and dangerous driving histories." A Change.org petition, 'Justice for Hannah Rapp,' had already gathered over 3,300 signatures by Tuesday.