A gesture that many cyclists might recognize—an angry wave at a car that gets too close—turned tragic for boxing talent Hannah Rupp. The 26-year-old featherweight was cycling along FM 159 in Brazos County, Texas, when she and her boyfriend, Will Polaris, encountered a car driven by 31-year-old Charles Medina, who passed them with just a foot to spare.
Polaris, understandably upset, shouted at Medina and gestured in protest. Unfortunately, Medina, with a lengthy criminal history, allegedly slammed on the brakes, then reversed, striking Rupp with his vehicle.
The collision resulted in serious injury, causing Rupp’s head to smash through the rear window of the car before she fell off her bike. She was rushed to a nearby hospital, where, tragically, she later died from her injuries.
According to the police report, Medina claimed he thought his girlfriend was being assaulted, which led him to stop and slowly reverse his car at around 15 mph. However, evidence, such as a shattered rear window and distinct skid marks on the road, contradicted his account, suggesting a more violent scenario.
Medina has since been arrested and charged with manslaughter, with bail set at $250,000. His extensive criminal record includes multiple arrests for serious offenses like assault and theft since 2012.
Rupp, a promising boxer who previously excelled in track and field at Purdue University, had moved to Texas in 2024. She was not just a fighter; she also worked as a fire and life safety inspector at Texas A&M. Friends have organized a fundraiser to support her loved ones, which has already raised over $20,000. They described her as resilient and inspiring, always encouraging others to strive for their best.
Her boxing coach, Carl Perry, expressed his grief, stating, “She had a positive vibe about herself,” emphasizing that if there were angels on Earth, Rupp surely was one. He had high hopes for her boxing career, believing she was destined for greatness.
A memorial is being established outside the Bryan-College Station Boxing Gym, and a candlelight vigil is scheduled for later this week.
