BRAZOS COUNTY — Charles Medina, 31, was arrested and charged with manslaughter following a crash that killed professional boxer Hannah Rapp, 26, in Brazos County, Texas. The collision occurred on July 18, 2026, in the 23000 block of FM 159 near Navasota, where authorities stated that Medina passed two bicyclists, stopped his vehicle, and reversed into one of them.
Deputies responded to the scene at approximately 9:50 a.m. or 10 a.m. to find Rapp had been struck by a vehicle while riding her bicycle. Rapp died at a local hospital following the incident.
According to a probable cause affidavit, Medina passed the cyclists at a high rate of speed, approximately one foot away from them. A witness stated that Medina slammed on his brakes, skidded to a stop, shifted into reverse, and rapidly accelerated backward, striking Rapp.
Deputy Sheriff Mike Stumpf stated in a probable cause statement that Medina rapidly accelerated in reverse and struck Rapp, knocking her backwards into the roadway. During the collision, Rapp's head struck the car's rear window.
Medina told investigators he believed the cyclists were attempting to flag him down and that he did not see Rapp until shortly before the collision. He estimated he was reversing at approximately 15 mph.
Investigators stated that physical evidence, including skid marks and vehicle damage, contradicted Medina's account of a low-speed impact. Medina's 2008 Honda was observed with a crushed hatch and a shattered rear window.
Charles Medina is from Navasota, Texas. He was held at the Brazos County Detention Center on $250,000 bail. Jail records showed prior arrests for Medina on counts including deadly conduct by discharging a firearm, assault causing bodily injury, and reckless driving.
Medina could face between two and 20 years in prison if convicted of manslaughter under Texas law. The Brazos County Sheriff's Office stated the investigation remains active and ongoing.
Rapp was a professional boxer who challenged for the World Boxing Council women's featherweight championship in June 2026. Rapp lost a unanimous decision to Tiara Brown in a June 13, 2026, bout at the Caribe Royale Resort in Orlando, Florida.
Rapp held a professional boxing record of eight wins, one loss, and one draw, including five knockouts. She held the North American Boxing Federation featherweight championship and was a two-time Indiana Golden Gloves champion.
Rapp worked full-time as a fire and life safety inspector at Texas A&M University. She held a degree in environmental engineering. Rapp was a native of Yorktown, Indiana, who ran track at Purdue University and graduated in 2022.
Rapp moved to Texas in 2024 and turned professional in boxing that same year. She trained with Bryan Boxing in Texas.
"She was the best dance partner I have ever faced as a pro. When she asked for my autograph, it filled my heart because we were getting ready for war, yet she was still asking for my autograph. It made me smile, we fought a GREAT fight for the fans from the 1st bell to the last! It was my honor to share the ring with her," boxer Tiara Brown said.
Jake Paul called Rapp a warrior and offered condolences to her family. Bryan Boxing posted a statement on social media regarding the crash.
"Don't even know where to begin... Unfortunately we lost an amazing lady and soul today. Our Champion Hannah Rapp was involved in a crash this morning, and unfortunately, she passed. Please keep her family and team in your prayers!! Love you Baby Girl!! the training camp wrote."
World Boxing Council President Mauricio Sulaiman Saldivar stated that the entire international boxing community is mourning Rapp's loss. The loss of Rapp leaves us heartbroken. 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," Sulaiman Saldivar said."
Purdue Track and Field issued a statement mourning Rapp's passing and extending thoughts and prayers to her former teammates, coaches, family, and friends.
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