Bryan, TX (July 20, 2026) — A professional boxer died on Saturday, July 18, after a driver reversed into her while she rode her bicycle on FM 159 near Millican, a community between Bryan and Navasota, investigators said. Hannah Rapp, 26, was riding alongside her boyfriend when 31-year-old Charles Medina allegedly passed the pair at a high speed just before 10 a.m.
According to court documents, Rapp’s boyfriend raised his hands after the vehicle passed close to them. Medina then hit the brakes, shifted into reverse, and struck Rapp, according to investigators. Court documents state the vehicle was moving fast enough in reverse that Rapp’s body shattered the rear windshield.
Emergency units tried to save Rapp at the scene before she was taken to a hospital, where she later died. Medina was arrested and charged with manslaughter in her death and remains in the Brazos County Jail.
Medina denied intentionally striking Rapp, telling deputies he believed the cyclists were trying to flag him down and that he did not see her until the last moment, according to investigators. Investigators have not said whether impairment was a factor.
Our thoughts remain with Hannah Rapp’s family and friends as they mourn her loss.
Why Rural Roads Can Be Risky for Cyclists
Cyclists face special risks on rural highways like the ones common in Brazos County. These roads have narrow or nonexistent shoulders, so bikes and cars share the same lane. Speed limits on rural highways also tend to be higher than in cities, which gives drivers less time to react if a cyclist is ahead.
Visibility plays a big part in rural cycling safety too. Long, flat stretches of road can make it hard for drivers to judge how fast a cyclist is moving, especially in early morning or evening light. Reflective gear, bright clothing, and working bike lights can all help drivers spot a cyclist sooner.
Many states also have specific laws requiring drivers to give cyclists a set amount of space when passing, three feet or more. These laws exist because a driver misjudging distance, even briefly, can turn a routine pass into a serious crash. Cyclists are encouraged to ride single file and stay as close to the road’s edge as safely possible.