A 24-year-old woman died after collapsing during the final stages of Sunday’s New York City Marathon, according to her father.
Tragic Collapse Near the Finish Line
Rachel Apa was running in her first marathon as part of the Parkinson’s Champions team, honoring her late grandfather who suffered from the disease. Sport | The Guardian reported that her father, Steve Apa, told the New York Times she collapsed in Central Park just two miles away from the finish line.
Steve Apa stated that his daughter was a former college field hockey player who was in “perfect health, perfect shape.” Rachel, who hailed from Lewisberry, Pennsylvania, was supported along the course by her parents, Steve and Michelle Apa.
Michelle Apa captured a video of her daughter smiling at mile 14 of the race. However, Rachel later sent text messages to her father, writing “Ow” at mile 18 and “Ow, ow” a mile later. At mile 23, Steve Apa sent a text message reading “final stretch,” but received no response. She collapsed shortly after and received CPR from a bystander.
Medical Response and Cause of Death
Race medical personnel arrived and utilized a defibrillator on Rachel before transporting her to Mount Sinai Medical Center. Despite efforts by doctors to save her, she passed away at 9:40 PM. Her father told the New York Times that her death was caused by rhabdomyolysis, a rare condition involving muscle breakdown that can be triggered by intense exercise.
“It’s unfathomable,” Steve Apa said.
Before her passing, Rachel had recently begun an MBA program at Charleston Southern University.
“We are deeply saddened by the death of one of our runners following yesterday’s race,” the New York Road Runners announced in an official statement. “Our thoughts and sincere sympathies are with the runner’s family, friends, and the entire running community.”
The New York Road Runners noted that the previous fatality of a participant following a medical incident during the race occurred in 2024.
