A 24-year-old woman, Rachel Apa, tragically died after collapsing during the final stages of the New York City Marathon on Sunday, as confirmed by her father, Steve Apa.

Rachel was running her first marathon as a member of the Parkinson’s Champions team, honoring her late grandfather who suffered from the disease. She collapsed in Central Park, just two miles from the finish line.

Her father shared insights with the New York Times, stating:

• Rachel was in “perfect health, perfect shape”
• She previously played field hockey at college

Rachel, from Lewisberry, Pennsylvania, was supported by her parents, Steve and Michelle Apa, who cheered her on throughout the race. Michelle captured a video of Rachel smiling at mile 14, but things took a turn at mile 18 when Rachel texted her father with increasing discomfort, saying “Ow” and later “Ow, ow”. Moments later, she texted “final stretch” at mile 23, indicating a brief resurgence in spirit.

However, she collapsed shortly after. A bystander performed CPR until race medical staff arrived, using a defibrillator before transporting her to Mount Sinai Medical Center. Despite efforts to save her, Rachel was pronounced dead at 9:40 PM. The cause of death was identified as rhabdomyolysis, a serious condition that can occur after intense physical exertion.

Steve Apa expressed his heartbreak, stating, “It’s unfathomable.” Rachel had recently begun an MBA at Charleston Southern University.

In a statement, the New York Road Runners, who organized the event, expressed their condolences: “We are deeply saddened by the death of one of our runners following yesterday’s race.” They also noted that the last medical incident leading to a death in the marathon occurred in 2024.