American boxer Hannah Rapp died on Saturday at the age of 26 following a collision with a car while she was cycling in Texas. The Brazos County sheriff's office reported that a vehicle passing Rapp's bicycle suddenly stopped and then reversed, striking her.
The driver of the vehicle has been arrested and charged with manslaughter. Rapp, who hailed from Indiana, had recently challenged for the WBC women's featherweight championship in June, a bout she lost to Tiara Brown. Her professional record stood at 8-1-1 following that fight.
WBC president Mauricio Sulaiman described Rapp as an "exceptional boxer, but above all, an invaluable member of our boxing family." Tiara Brown remembered Rapp as the "best dance partner" she had faced professionally, recalling that Rapp had asked for her autograph before their championship fight. "We fought a great fight. It was my honor to share the ring with her," Brown stated.
Rapp had a background in athletics before transitioning to professional boxing in 2024, all while maintaining a full-time role as a fire and life safety inspector. Her promoter, Most Valuable Promotions, issued a statement acknowledging the lasting impression Rapp made on those who knew her, calling her a "gifted athlete, a valued member of the boxing community, and someone who was deeply respected." The promoter added, "We are grateful to have shared a part of her journey and will honour her memory in the weeks ahead."