A Texas man has been arrested and charged with manslaughter after investigators say he intentionally reversed his vehicle into a bicyclist, killing Hannah Rapp, a 26-year-old professional boxer and fire and life safety inspector.
According to the Brazos County Sheriff’s Office, Charles Eric Medina, 31, was taken into custody following the fatal incident, which occurred on Saturday morning along FM 159 in Brazos County.
Deputies Respond to Fatal Crash
Deputies were dispatched shortly before 10 a.m. to the 23000 block of FM 159 following reports of a major crash involving a cyclist.
When first responders arrived, they found Hannah Rapp lying in the roadway with critical injuries.
She was transported to a nearby hospital, where she was later pronounced dead.
Investigators Allege Driver Reversed Into Cyclist
According to investigators, Rapp and another bicyclist were riding along the roadway when Medina drove past them.
Authorities allege that after passing the cyclists, Medina stopped his vehicle, shifted into reverse, and backed into one of them, striking Rapp.
Detectives have not publicly identified a motive for the alleged actions and have not said whether the incident was related to road rage or another dispute.
Investigation Ongoing
The Brazos County Sheriff’s Office described the case as an isolated incident and said detectives are continuing to gather evidence.
Officials have not released additional details explaining what led to the collision.
Hannah Rapp Remembered as Boxer and Public Safety Professional
Rapp was widely known in both the boxing community and her professional career.
Just one month before her death, she competed for the World Boxing Council (WBC) featherweight championship, where she lost by unanimous decision to champion Tiara Brown.
Originally from Indiana, Rapp later moved to Texas and worked as a fire and life safety inspector at Texas A&M University, according to local reports.
Tributes Pour In
Following her death, members of the boxing community shared tributes honoring Rapp.
WBC President Mauricio Sulaiman said her death left the organization heartbroken, describing her as an exceptional boxer and a valued member of the boxing family.
Promotional company Most Valuable Promotions also remembered Rapp, saying she left a lasting impression on everyone she met and was respected throughout the sport for both her athletic ability and character.
Tiara Brown, who faced Rapp in the championship bout, also expressed her condolences. Brown described Rapp as a kind and determined competitor and called her the toughest opponent she had faced in her professional boxing career.
Suspect Held on $250,000 Bond
Authorities arrested Charles Eric Medina and booked him into the Brazos County Jail.
He is currently being held on a $250,000 bond while facing a manslaughter charge.
As of the latest available court records, no future court date has been listed. The investigation into the fatal collision remains ongoing.
