Hannah Rapp, WBC title challenger, killed in Texas cycling crash

Hannah Rapp, a 26-year-old boxer who fought for the WBC women's featherweight title last month, died Saturday morning after a motorist struck her while she was cycling on a Texas highway. Per Sherdog, investigators arrested 31-year-old Charles Medina on a manslaughter charge in connection with her death.

The Brazos County Sheriff's Office said the incident occurred Saturday, July 18, when a vehicle passed Rapp on the highway, then reportedly stopped, reversed, and hit her. She was taken to a hospital and pronounced dead. Authorities have not released additional details, citing an active investigation. Under Texas law, manslaughter involves recklessly causing another person's death.

Rapp's boxing career and WBC tribute

Rapp, a Yorktown, Indiana native, ran track at Purdue before turning pro in boxing in 2024. She compiled an 8-1 record while working as a fire and life safety inspector at Texas A&M. In June, she challenged Tiara Brown for the WBC featherweight strap and lost, but Brown later called Rapp "the best dance partner I have ever faced as a pro," according to ESPN.

"The loss of Hannah Rapp leaves us heartbroken," WBC president Mauricio Sulaiman said in a statement. "She was an exceptional boxer, but above all, an invaluable member of our boxing family."

Medina remains in custody as the investigation continues.

Reported via:

• Sherdog — Boxer who fought for WBC women's featherweight title killed in Texas