Left: Hannah Rapp (Instagram). Right: Charles Medina (Brazos County Sheriff’s Office). Background: The scene is the 23000 block of FM 159 in Texas, where Medina is accused of fatally striking Rapp with his vehicle (Google Maps).
Authorities in Texas allege that a driver deliberately targeted two cyclists on a rural road, a tragic incident that resulted in the death of one individual. After initially passing them, the driver allegedly stopped, reversed, and struck one of them, leading to the death of a promising professional boxer and dedicated fire safety inspector.
Charged with manslaughter, 31-year-old Charles Eric Medina faces serious legal consequences following the death of 26-year-old Hannah Rapp. This charge comes from the Brazos County Sheriff’s Office, which officially announced the development through their Facebook page.
The incident unfolded shortly before 10 a.m. on a Saturday morning, when deputies raced to the 23000 block of FM 159 after receiving reports of a severe crash. On arrival, first responders discovered Rapp lying unconscious in the roadway. Despite their swift actions to transport her to a nearby hospital, she was tragically pronounced dead by medical personnel.
As investigators delved deeper, they found that Medina had encountered two cyclists traveling along the same road. It is alleged that after overtaking the cyclists, Medina stopped his vehicle, put it in reverse, and then deliberately struck one of the cyclists, leading to the untimely death of Hannah Rapp.
Authorities did not say whether Medina’s actions were a result of road rage or for another reason. They described it as an “isolated incident” and said detectives are continuing to gather information.
Rapp challenged for the World Boxing Council’s featherweight championship last month, losing to Tiara Brown in a unanimous decision.
”The loss of Hannah Rapp leaves us heartbroken,” WBC president Mauricio Sulaiman said in a statement released to ESPN. “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.”
Local Fox affiliate KRIV reports that Rapp was originally from Indiana before moving to the Lone Star State where she worked as a fire and life safety inspector at Texas A&M University.
Most Valuable Promotions said Rapp made a “lasting impression on everyone who had the opportunity to meet her.”
“She was a gifted athlete, a valued member of the boxing community and someone who was deeply respected by those around her,” a statement posted to Instagram said.
Brown also posted a tribute.
“Hannah was such a wonderful soul,” she said. “The entire fight week she brought a different type of vibe everywhere she went. She was strong, tough & ready to show the world she belonged here. Hannah is the best opponent I have faced so far in my pro career.”
Deputies arrested Medina and booked him into the Brazos County Jail, where he is being held on a $250,000 bond. His next court date is not listed.