A man identified as Charles Medina, 31, has been arrested on manslaughter charges in connection with the death of boxer Hannah Rapp. The 26-year-old athlete was fatally struck by a vehicle on Saturday while cycling on a highway in Texas. Authorities reported that the car passed Rapp and another cyclist, then stopped and reversed, hitting Rapp. She was treated at the scene before being transported to a hospital, where she succumbed to her injuries.
Driver’s Account of the Incident
According to a probable cause statement, Medina told law enforcement officers that he believed the cyclists were attempting to signal him down. He stated that he applied his brakes, causing them to lock up before the vehicle came to a complete stop. Medina further claimed that while reversing at approximately 15 mph, he did not see Rapp until the moment of impact.
Medina’s Extensive Arrest Record
Records indicate that Charles Medina possesses a significant history of encounters with law enforcement, with arrests dating back to his teenage years. His first documented arrest in Brazos County occurred in 2012 for charges including reckless driving and evading arrest. Reports suggest he pleaded guilty to these offenses. Since then, Medina has been detained multiple times. These subsequent arrests include incidents in 2014 for reckless driving and in 2020, when he faced accusations of a hit-and-run offense. The outcomes of these particular cases are not immediately clear.
Recent Deadly Conduct Charge
In 2024, Medina was arrested again, this time on charges of deadly conduct involving the discharge of a firearm. At the time of that incident, authorities responded to reports of an individual, identified as Medina, reportedly chasing vehicles while armed with an axe and a knife. Upon locating him in his yard with a handgun, officers engaged in what was described as a brief standoff before taking him into custody. During this encounter, Medina allegedly fired several shots into the air. This case is reported to remain open.
Official Statement on the Tragedy
The Brazos County Sheriff’s Office released a statement detailing the circumstances of Rapp’s death. Investigators confirmed that the driver of the vehicle passed two bicyclists on FM 159. The statement specified that after passing, Mr. Medina stopped his vehicle, reversed, and subsequently struck one of the cyclists. Despite immediate life-saving efforts, the victim later passed away at the hospital. At the time of the statement, investigators considered the incident to be isolated.
Hannah Rapp’s Boxing Career and Legacy
Hannah Rapp was an American boxer with a promising career. On June 13, she challenged for the WBC women’s featherweight title, ultimately losing to Tiara Brown in Orlando. Rapp’s professional boxing record stood at eight wins, one draw, and one loss. Her promoter, Jake Paul, expressed his grief on social media, tweeting, “Gone too soon. Condolences to her entire clan. RIP warrior, Hannah Rapp.” The president of the WBC, Mauricio Sulaiman, also issued a statement, recognizing Rapp as an “exceptional boxer” and a “valuable member of our boxing family.”
Tributes from the Boxing Community
Tiara Brown, Rapp’s former rival, shared poignant memories, describing Rapp as the “best dance partner I have ever faced as a pro.” Brown recalled Rapp asking for her autograph before their championship bout, an act that touched Brown deeply given the intensity of their upcoming fight. “We fought a great fight. It was my honor to share the ring with her,” Brown stated.
Personal Life and Fundraising Efforts
Originally from Indiana, Rapp turned professional in boxing in 2024 after a background in athletics. Concurrently with her boxing training, she maintained full-time employment as a fire and life safety inspector. A GoFundMe campaign has been established to assist Rapp’s family with funeral expenses. The tribute on the fundraising page described her as a “beloved daughter,” “sister,” and “friend to everyone she met,” as well as an “inspiring boxing athlete.” The page highlighted Rapp’s resilience, bravery, and insightful nature, noting her constant encouragement of others. It also emphasized her deep love for her family and the challenges she faced with the distance created by her move from Indiana to Texas. The GoFundMe has reportedly garnered over 230 donations, raising more than $22,000.
Conclusion
The tragic death of Hannah Rapp has sent shockwaves through the boxing community and beyond. As authorities continue their investigation into the incident and the legal proceedings against Charles Medina unfold, the focus remains on the loss of a talented athlete and the outpouring of support from those who knew and admired her. The circumstances surrounding her death, coupled with the detailed arrest history of the accused, highlight a complex and somber situation.
