Tragic Death of Rising Boxer in Road Rage Incident

A young boxer lost her life while cycling on a Texas highway, reportedly struck by a driver who appeared to be acting out of road rage. Police have indicated that the driver was intentionally going the wrong way at the time.

Hannah Rupp, just 26 years old, who recently fought for the WBC women’s featherweight title, was involved in this tragic accident on Saturday morning. According to a statement from the Brazos County Sheriff’s Office, she was hit by a vehicle.

The driver, identified as Charles Medina, 31, has been arrested and faces manslaughter charges. He is currently being held at the Brazos County Detention Center.

Authorities revealed that Medina passed two cyclists, including Rupp, before stopping, then reversing into her.

Originally from Yorktown, Indiana, Rupp was an athlete at Purdue University, where she competed in track and field before turning to boxing.

She made her move to College Station, Texas, and became a professional boxer in 2024 while also working full-time as a fire and life safety inspector at Texas A&M University. Reports indicate Rupp started her boxing career with an impressive 8-0-1 record, soon challenging Tiara Brown for the WBC women’s featherweight title last month in Orlando, Florida, though she lost by unanimous decision.

In response to the news of Rupp’s passing, Brown shared a heartfelt tribute on an Instagram post from Most Valuable Promotions, referring to Rupp as “the best dance partner I’ve ever had professionally.” She reflected on an experience where Rupp requested her autograph, highlighting the mutual respect they shared despite being competitors.

WBC president Mauricio Sulaiman expressed deep sorrow over Rupp’s death, calling her an exceptional boxer and an irreplaceable member of the boxing community. He extended condolences to her family, friends, and everyone who had the honor of knowing her during her remarkable career.