An alleged confrontation on a rural Texas road has left a rising boxing star dead and a Texas man facing a manslaughter charge in a case that has drawn national attention.
Hannah Rapp, 26, died Saturday after investigators say Charles Eric Medina, 31, struck her while she was riding her bicycle along FM 159 in Brazos County, Texas. Medina was arrested following the incident, and authorities say the investigation remains active.
Investigators have released few details beyond the sequence of events they say led to the fatal encounter and have not publicly explained what prompted it.
As the investigation unfolds, Rapp’s death has sparked an outpouring of support for her family, renewed discussions about cyclist safety, and growing debate over the criminal case.
Investigators Say Driver Passed Cyclists Before Reversing
Deputies were called to the 23000 block of FM 159 around 10 a.m. Saturday, after receiving reports that a bicyclist had been struck by a vehicle.
Investigators say Medina drove past Rapp and another cyclist before stopping his vehicle, shifting into reverse, and striking Rapp. Emergency crews treated her at the scene before transporting her to a local hospital, where she later died from her injuries.
Medina was taken into custody without incident and booked into the Brazos County Detention Center on a charge of manslaughter. Detectives have not announced a motive or said what led to the encounter, describing the investigation as active and ongoing.
Remembering Hannah Rapp
Originally from Yorktown, Indiana, Rapp moved to College Station, Texas, where she worked at Texas A&M University while building an impressive professional boxing career.
She entered her most recent bout undefeated before challenging Tiara Brown for the World Boxing Council featherweight championship in June. Although Brown retained the title, she later remembered Rapp as the best “dance partner” she had faced as a professional and said it was an honor to share the ring with her.
The World Boxing Council also paid tribute, calling Rapp “an exceptional boxer” and “an invaluable member of our boxing family,” while Bryan Boxing remembered her as “our Champion.”
Friends have also launched the official Justice and Love for Hannah Rapp GoFundMe to help her family cover funeral expenses, medical bills, travel costs, and other unexpected expenses. The fundraiser describes Rapp as someone who brought “love, laughter, and light” to those around her and asks supporters to keep her family, friends, and partner, Will, in their prayers.
Public Records Show Medina’s History With Law Enforcement
As news of Medina’s arrest spread, Guessing Headlights obtained and reviewed public Brazos County jail records documenting more than a decade of prior bookings tied to the same name, date of birth, physical description, and sheriff’s office identification number.
The records show Medina has been booked numerous times since 2012 on allegations involving traffic offenses, violent crimes, and attempts to evade law enforcement. Those records reflect arrests and bookings rather than convictions, and the disposition of every case could not be determined immediately.
Some of the more significant bookings include:
- 2012 (Brazos County) — Evading arrest or detention with a vehicle and reckless driving.
- 2013 (Brazos County) — Criminal mischief.
- 2015 (Grimes County warrant) — Theft of property.
- 2016–2017 (Brazos County) — Speeding, expired registration, and resisting arrest.
- 2019 (Brazos County) — Assault causing bodily injury involving a family member, escape from custody, interference with an emergency request for assistance, and criminal mischief.
- 2024 (Brazos County) — Deadly conduct involving the discharge of a firearm and possession of a controlled substance.
- 2025 (Brazos County) — Evading arrest or detention and public intoxication.
- 2026 (Brazos County) — Manslaughter in connection with the death of Hannah Rapp.
The records should not be interpreted as evidence that Medina committed the current offense. He is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in court.
Communities Seek Answers as Investigation Continues
While detectives continue investigating what happened on FM 159, conversations surrounding the case have expanded well beyond the initial arrest.
Many people following the case have questioned why Medina was initially charged with manslaughter rather than murder. Under Texas law, manslaughter generally involves recklessly causing another person’s death, while murder requires prosecutors to prove additional legal elements, including intent or knowingly causing a person’s death. Authorities have not publicly discussed Medina’s alleged intent or indicated whether additional charges are being considered.
At the same time, different communities have rallied around Hannah Rapp’s memory in different ways. The boxing world has remembered a respected fighter whose career was on the rise. Cyclists have renewed discussions about rider safety and aggressive driving. Friends and family have focused on honoring Rapp’s life while asking supporters to help through the official GoFundMe campaign.
Across those conversations, one common thread has emerged: a desire for answers about what happened, accountability through the justice system, and hope that tragedies like this can be prevented in the future.