A 24-year-old was nearing the finish line of her first New York City Marathon when she suddenly collapsed in Central Park on Sunday, November 1.
The New York Times reported that Rachel Apa, a former college athlete, had trained for months and her father described her as being in “perfect health.” She was just two miles from completing the race when she collapsed and was rushed to a hospital, where she died hours later.
Apa, who was running to raise money for Parkinson’s disease research in memory of her late grandfather, died hours later at a hospital. Her grieving father has since revealed that a rare muscle condition was responsible for her sudden death.
Rachel, 24, died later that evening. Her father, Steve Apa, told The New York Times that she died from rhabdomyolysis, a serious condition involving the breakdown of muscle tissue.
Rachel Apa’s Father Reveals Reported Cause of Death
“It’s unfathomable. Perfect health, perfect shape, 24 years old,” Steve told The New York Times while describing his daughter’s sudden death.
The former Bucknell University field hockey player had trained for months and was pursuing an MBA at Charleston Southern University.
Sunday’s 26.2-mile race was her first marathon.
Her father said rhabdomyolysis caused her death. The condition occurs when damaged muscles release proteins and electrolytes into the bloodstream.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, rhabdomyolysis can cause kidney failure and dangerous heart rhythms. Intense physical exertion is one possible trigger.
As of Tuesday, November 3, the medical examiner had not publicly confirmed an official cause of death.
Rachel Apa’s Heartbreaking Final Texts to Her Father
According to CBS affiliate KDBC, Steve was following his daughter’s progress from Pennsylvania, sending encouragement as she ran through New York City.
At Mile 18, Rachel responded with a single word: “Ow.”
A mile later, she sent another message: “Ow ow.”
Although she continued running, she stopped responding to her father’s messages. “Final stretch,” Steve texted when she reached Mile 23.
Meanwhile, Rachel’s mother, Michelle Apa, had traveled to New York to support her daughter.
She had filmed Rachel smiling earlier in the race and was waiting near the finish line when tragedy struck.
Witnesses Tried to Save Rachel Apa After Marathon Collapse
Rachel collapsed near Mile 24 around 1:30 p.m. According to The New York Times, spectator Michaela Nicholas, a hospital social worker, rushed to help after witnessing the collapse.
Bystanders performed CPR before marathon medical personnel used a defibrillator.
Paramedics transported Rachel to Mount Sinai Medical Center, where doctors spent hours trying to save her life. She was pronounced dead at approximately 9:40 p.m., her father said.
New York Road Runners, which organizes the marathon, expressed condolences to Rachel’s family, friends and the running community.
Rachel Apa Was Running to Honor Her Late Grandfather
Rachel participated in the marathon as part of the Parkinson’s Champions team in memory of her grandfather, who died in 2022.
“My grandfather was my role model growing up. He taught me to stay active, push limits, and embrace challenges, shaping my love for sports and movement,” she wrote on her fundraising page, according to the New York Post.
The young athlete hoped to raise money for Parkinson’s disease research while celebrating the lessons her grandfather had taught her.
NYC Marathon Runner, 24, Dies After Collapsing 2 Miles From Finish Line During First Marathon