American boxer Hannah Rapp dies at 26

American professional boxer Hannah Rapp has died at the age of 26 after being hit by a car while cycling in Texas, the Brazos County Sheriff’s Office confirmed on Saturday.

Rapp, who challenged Tiara Brown for the WBC featherweight title last month, had made an impressive start to her professional career, winning eight of her first nine fights and securing the North American Boxing Federation featherweight championship before losing to Brown by unanimous decision.

World Boxing Council (WBC) President Mauricio Sulaiman paid tribute to Rapp, describing her as “an exceptional boxer” and “an invaluable member” of the boxing community.

 “She was an exceptional boxer, but above all, an invaluable member of our boxing family,” Sulaiman said, expressing condolences to her family, team and supporters.

Authorities said 31-year-old Charles Medina has been arrested and charged with manslaughter in connection with Rapp’s death.