Hannah Rapp had a growing career as a boxer before her shocking death at age 26.
Rapp — who was born in Indiana — became a professional boxer after she relocated to Texas in 2024. She competed against Tiara Brown for the World Boxing Council featherweight title in 2024, which she lost after a unanimous decision.
The athlete died in July 2026 after she was fatally struck by a vehicle while cycling. The driver, Charles Medina, was arrested and charged with manslaughter, according to ESPN. An investigation was launched at the time.
Brown was one of many people who paid tribute to Rapp.
Hollywood mourned the deaths of some of its most legendary stars in 2025. Over the summer, we lost Anne Burrell, Ozzy Osbourne, Hulk Hogan, Malcolm-Jamal Warner and Brandon Blackstock. Jane Goodall, Diane Keaton, D’Angelo, Marshawn Kneeland and more passed away in October and November. Thank You! You have successfully subscribed. Subscribe to newsletters Enter your […]
“I will never let your name fade Hanna [sic],” Brown wrote via her Instagram Stories before calling Rapp “the best dance partner I have ever faced as a pro” in a separate comment.
“When you asked for my autograph, it filled my heart because we were getting ready for war, yet she was still asking for my autograph,” Brown continued. “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.”
WBC president Mauricio Sulaiman issued a statement after Rapp’s death.
“The loss of Hannah Rapp leaves us heartbroken,” Sulaiman noted. “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.”
Keep scrolling for everything to know about Rapp following her death:
What Did Hannah Rapp Do for Work?
Rapp previously ran track at Purdue University before making the move to Texas. She was a professional athlete while also working as a full-time fire and life safety inspector at Texas A&M University.
What Was Hannah Rapp’s Boxing Record?
Rapp had a boxing record of 8-0-1 before she lost a World Boxing Council featherweight title fight against Brown.
Was Hannah Rapp Involved in Other Sports?
Rapp previously reflected on being cut from Purdue’s track team amid the COVID pandemic. She later battled depression and an eating disorder before entering treatment in 2020. Rapp saw boxing as a positive outlet amid her mental health journey.
Hollywood mourned the deaths of some of its most legendary stars in 2026. The year started off with Broadway performer and influencer Bret Hanna-Shuford’s death at age 46. At the end of the month, comedy acting icon Catherine O’Hara died at age 71. In February, Dawson’s Creek actor James Van Der Beek died at age […]
How Did Hannah Rapp Die?
“On Saturday, July 18, 2026, just before 10:00 a.m., deputies with the Brazos County Sheriff’s Office were dispatched to the 2300 block of FM 150 in reference to a major crash involving a vehicle and a bicyclist,” the Brazos County Sheriff’s Office stated via their official Facebook page in July 2026.
The authorities noted that “a vehicle had struck a bicyclist, leaving an adult female lying in the roadway. First responders “arrived on scene and provided emergency medical care before the victim was transported to a local hospital. Despite lifesaving efforts, she later passed away at the hospital.”
“After passing the bicyclists, Mr. Medina stopped his vehicle, reversed, and struck one of the cyclists,” the statement continued. “At this time, investigators believe this was an isolated incident. The investigation remains active and ongoing as detectives continue to gather evidence and review all available information.”
Was Anyone Charged in Connection With Hannah Rapp’s Death?
According to the statement, Medina was arrested and charged with manslaughter. He was taken to the county’s detention center “without incident.”
“The Brazos County Sheriff’s Office extends his deepest condolences to the family and friends of Hannah Rapp during this difficult time,” the Brazos County Sheriff’s Office concluded.