Young Runner Dies After Collapsing Near Finish of New York City Marathon

A 24-year-old woman died after collapsing during the final stages of the New York City Marathon on Sunday. Rachel Apa was running her first marathon in Central Park, just two miles from the finish line, when she collapsed. She was running for the Parkinson's Champions team to honor her late grandfather who had the disease. Her father, Steve Apa, stated that she had played field hockey in college and was in perfect health and shape. Rachel's parents, Steve and Michelle Apa, were cheering her on during the race. Michelle filmed her smiling at mile 14, but Rachel later sent text messages saying "Ow" at mile 18 and "Ow, ow" at mile 19. Her father texted her "final stretch" at mile 23, but she did not reply and collapsed soon after.

Medical Response And Cause

A member of the public performed CPR after she collapsed. Race medical staff then used a defibrillator before taking her to Mount Sinai Medical Center, where she died at 9.40pm despite doctors trying to save her. Her father told the New York Times that she died from rhabdomyolysis, a rare condition caused by heavy exercise where muscles break down. Rachel was from Lewisberry, Pennsylvania, and had recently started an MBA program at Charleston Southern University. The New York Road Runners released a statement expressing deep sadness and offering sympathies to her family and friends, noting that the last participant death after a medical incident in the race was in 2024.

Context

Long-distance running places extreme physical demands on the human body, and massive marathons like the New York City event deploy extensive medical teams along the route to handle emergencies. Rhabdomyolysis is a severe medical condition that can sometimes occur when muscles are pushed beyond their limits during intense physical activity.