By Ahmed Abdelsalam
A 24-year-old woman died after collapsing during the final miles of Sunday's New York City Marathon, her father confirmed to the New York Times. Rachel Apa, from Lewisberry, Pennsylvania, was two miles from the finish line in Central Park when she fell ill.
First Marathon for Former College Athlete
Apa was running her first marathon as part of the Parkinson's Champions team in honor of her late grandfather, who suffered from the disease. Her father, Steve Apa, told the Times his daughter had played field hockey in college and was in "perfect health, perfect shape." She had recently started an MBA program at Charleston Southern University.
Final Messages Before Collapse
Family members were cheering Apa along the course. Her mother filmed her smiling at mile 14. At mile 18, Apa texted her father "Ow," followed by "Ow, ow" a mile later. She appeared to rally, texting "final stretch" at mile 23, but collapsed shortly afterward.
Medical Response and Cause of Death
A bystander administered CPR before race medical staff used a defibrillator. Apa was transported to Mount Sinai Medical Center, where doctors attempted to save her. She was pronounced dead at 9:40 p.m. Her father said the cause was rhabdomyolysis, a rare condition triggered by extreme exertion in which muscle tissue breaks down.
Race Organizers Respond
New York Road Runners, which organizes the marathon, issued a statement expressing deep sadness over the death. The organization noted the last participant death from a medical incident during the race occurred in 2024.
