Fatal Incident Involving Boxer Hannah Rupp
A driver linked to the death of boxer Hannah Rupp has a troubling history. Charles Eric Medina, 31, has a lengthy criminal record, which includes a prior hit-and-run. Authorities arrested him on Saturday under charges of involuntary manslaughter after he allegedly struck Rupp, a 26-year-old featherweight talent, while she was biking with her boyfriend, Will Polaris, in Brazos County, Texas.
Reports indicate that Medina passed them on a two-lane road, prompting Polaris to react by raising his hands and shouting at the car. Medina then reportedly slammed on the brakes, reversed, and collided with Rupp, causing her to hit her head against the rear glass of the vehicle and fall off her bike.
Rupp was taken to a hospital but unfortunately did not survive her injuries.
Medina, residing just two miles from the crash site, has faced arrest 13 times in Brazos County since 2012, as outlined in jail records. His prior offenses include reckless driving and evading arrest, to which he pled guilty in 2012. Further arrests occurred in 2014 for reckless driving, 2020 for hit-and-run, and more recently in 2024 for discharging a firearm and evading police in 2025.
There are unresolved lawsuits involving Medina, leaving the outcomes uncertain.
He is currently undergoing a psychological evaluation per court orders and is being held on a $250,000 bond connected to the manslaughter charges from the recent incident.
While Medina contends he was moving slowly at about 15 mph to speak with Polaris, investigators have noted that damage to his vehicle suggests a more severe collision occurred, consistent with rapid braking and backing up.
Rupp, originally from Indiana, transitioned from track and field at Purdue University to boxing, ultimately relocating to Texas in 2024. There, she worked as a fire and life safety inspector at Texas A&M.
A fundraiser aiming to support Rupp’s family has already collected over $22,000 as of Monday night. The fundraiser highlights her resilience, courage, and the inspiration she brought to others. It notes her deep love for family and the challenges of maintaining relationships across long distances after her move to Texas.
