Rachel Apa, a 24-year-old former college athlete, died on Sunday, November 1, after collapsing in Central Park with roughly two miles left in her first New York City Marathon, her family confirmed. The cause was rhabdomyolysis, a rare and potentially life-threatening muscle condition, as described by her father, Steve Apa.
Apa was a former Division I field hockey player at Bucknell University, had trained for months, and was running with the Parkinson's Champions team to raise money in honour of her grandfather, who died of Parkinson's disease in 2022. Her mother, Michelle, filmed her smiling and high-fiving at Mile 14 in Queens before heading to the finish line.
Her father, tracking her from the family's Pennsylvania home, texted encouragement at every mile. At Miles 18 and 19, Rachel replied simply "Ow" and "Ow ow." She never responded again.
Near Mile 24, bystanders and medical personnel attempted to resuscitate her. She was taken to Mount Sinai Medical Centre, where she died that evening.
Rhabdomyolysis is a condition in which damaged muscles release certain proteins and electrolytes, such as myoglobin, into the blood, leading to complications including kidney failure, heart arrhythmias, seizures, and death. Physical stress may lead to rhabdomyolysis, even in healthy, well-conditioned athletes.
As per the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), symptoms include severe muscle pain, dark tea or cola-colored urine, and severe weakness. Proper treatment with fluid administration usually cures patients; people are advised to slowly increase physical activity, stay hydrated, and avoid overheating.
The incident has brought focus to the issue, as five lacrosse players from Tufts University were hospitalized due to rhabdomyolysis caused by rigorous training in 2024. Apa was known as a passionate athlete running for a cause.
Family members, friends, and the wider athletic community have expressed deep sorrow over her sudden and tragic demise, remembering her dedication to sports and charitable causes. Sports medical experts continue to urge participants in endurance events to listen to their bodies and seek immediate medical attention if unusual muscle pain or fatigue occurs during strenuous physical exertion.