TX Boxer Hannah Rapp ID’d As Victim In Saturday Fatal Bicycle Crash; Driver Charged

BRAZOS COUNTY, TX. (THECOUNT) — Hannah Rapp, 26, an emerging professional boxer, was killed Saturday after being struck by a vehicle while riding a bicycle on FM 159 in Brazos County, Texas, according to authorities. The driver, Charles Medina, 31, was arrested and charged with manslaughter following the incident.

Brazos County is located in east-central Texas and is home to College Station and Texas A&M University. The fatal collision occurred in the 23000 block of FM 159, a rural Farm-to-Market roadway in the county.

Deputies with the Brazos County Sheriff’s Office responded to a report of a major crash involving a vehicle and a bicyclist at approximately 10 a.m. Saturday.

According to a probable cause statement, responding deputies found Rapp lying unresponsive in the roadway after she had been struck by a vehicle. She was transported to an area hospital, where she was pronounced dead.

Investigators said Medina was operating a 2008 Honda when he approached Rapp and her boyfriend, who were riding bicycles along FM 159.

According to the probable cause statement, Medina passed the pair at what investigators described as a high rate of speed. Authorities said Rapp’s boyfriend reacted by throwing his arms into the air and shouting toward the vehicle.

Deputy Mike Stumpf stated that Medina then braked suddenly, causing his vehicle to skid to a stop before shifting into reverse.

Investigators allege Medina rapidly accelerated backward and struck Rapp with the vehicle, knocking her into the roadway.

Rapp’s boyfriend told investigators the vehicle had passed within approximately a foot of the cyclists before the confrontation occurred. He further stated that Rapp’s head struck the rear window of the Honda during the collision.

According to investigators, Medina claimed he believed the cyclists were attempting to flag him down. He told authorities he locked up the vehicle’s brakes while stopping and did not see Rapp while reversing until moments before impact. Medina reportedly estimated his reverse speed at approximately 15 mph.

However, investigators said physical evidence at the scene appeared inconsistent with that account. Authorities reported finding a crushed rear hatch and shattered rear window on the Honda. Deputies also documented skid marks indicating sudden braking followed by rapid acceleration in reverse.

In the probable cause statement, Stumpf noted that the angle of the reverse skid marks suggested the vehicle appeared to be steering toward an object while backing up. Investigators said the physical evidence contradicted Medina’s statement that he was reversing at a low speed.

Following the investigation, Medina was arrested and charged with manslaughter. Jail records show he is being held at the Brazos County Detention Center.

Authorities emphasized that the investigation remains active as detectives continue reviewing evidence and witness statements.

Beyond her athletic accomplishments, Rapp had recently gained national attention in professional boxing. On June 13, she challenged World Boxing Council women’s featherweight champion Tiara Brown in a title bout held in Florida and televised on ESPN.

Although Rapp lost the championship fight by unanimous decision, the bout elevated her profile within the sport and positioned her as a rising contender.

The World Boxing Council released a statement describing Rapp as “a relentless warrior inside the ring” and praising her dedication to the sport.

WBC President Mauricio Sulaimán said the organization was heartbroken by the loss, calling Rapp an exceptional boxer and valued member of the boxing community.

CLICK HERE FOR THE GOOGLE MAP

DEVELOPING::