WBC featherweight title challenger Hannah Rapp was hit by a vehicle while cycling and passed away from her injuries this past weekend, but after details emerged, it became clear that this was more than just a tragic accident.
Rapp was last seen inside the ring back in June when she challenged for Tiara Brown’s featherweight title, but unfortunately fell short on the judges’ scorecards, suffering the first loss in her ten-fight career.
According to reports, Brown was cycling along the highway when a car passed her, but then suddenly came to a stop. From there, the driver of the vehicle reversed towards Brown, striking her with the vehicle. The driver was identified and charged with manslaughter following the incident. The motive behind the driver’s actions has not been made public at this time, but the incident is being described as an act of road rage that took the 26-year-old’s life.
Rapp became a professional boxer in 2024 and secured eight wins in ten matches in the short time that followed. Prior to her time in the ring, she competed in track at Purdue University. When she got into boxing, she moved to College Station, Texas, where she also worked full-time as a fire and life safety inspector.
​”The loss of Hannah Rapp leaves us heartbroken,” WBC president Mauricio Sulaiman said in a statement. “She was an exceptional boxer, but above all, an invaluable member of our boxing family. We join in the grief that overwhelms her loved ones, her team, and all those who had the privilege of knowing and supporting her throughout her brilliant career.”
(h/t espn.com)