New York marathon organisers share details of 24-year-old woman who died two miles before finish line
New York Road Runners, the nonprofit organisation behind the New York City Marathon, have described the efforts to save Rachel Apa’s life after she collapsed.
The 24-year-old was taking part in the 26.2 mile marathon on Monday (2 November) in honour of her late grandfather who died from Parkinson’s disease in 2022.
She collapsed in Central Park at around 1.30pm local time with just two miles left to go.
Despite attempts to save her life, the former hockey player was pronounced dead in hospital hours later.
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The New York City medical examiner’s office said it was investigating Apa’s cause of death.
New York Road Runners said a bystander administered CPR when Apa collapsed and a defibrillator was used. Medical staffers at the event also administered CPR.
Paramedics arrived soon after and transported Apa to hospital. Doctors reportedly spent six hours attempting to save her, but she was pronounced dead at 9.40pm
Her father, Steve Apa, told the New York Times that she had rhabdomyolysis, a rare condition where muscles can break down during exertion which leads to the release of substances that can poison the body.
Describing the loss of his daughter, he said: "It's unfathomable."
Steve added: "Perfect health, perfect shape, 24 years old."
In an especially heartbreaking detail, he also revealed the final messages he exchanged with Apa as she made her way around the marathon course.
While he was following her progress from their hometown of Lewisberry, Pennsylvania, Apa's mum, Michelle, had travelled to New York to support her daughter in person.
Michelle had even managed to capture a video of her daughter smiling as she passed Mile 14 in Queens.
But just four miles later, Apa sent her dad a message which suggested she was struggling.
At Mile 18, she simply texted: "Ow." A mile later, another message followed: "Ow ow."
Despite the apparent pain, Apa continued pushing towards the finish line, with her father sending one final update at Mile 23.
Meanwhile, Michelle was making her way towards Central Park, hoping to watch Apa complete the race, when she noticed something was wrong.
After checking the marathon tracking app, she realised Apa's location had stopped moving at Mile 24.
Apa was a graduate of Bucknell University in Pennsylvania.
worked as a product manager for an electrical components company while also pursuing an MBA at Charleston Southern University.
Following her death, New York Road Runners, the organisation behind the marathon, confirmed that she was the first participant to die during the event since 2024.
In a statement, the organisation said: "We are deeply saddened by the death of one of our runners following yesterday's race. Our thoughts and sincere sympathies are with the runner's family, friends, and the entire running community."
In a fundraising message shared ahead of the race, she explained the personal significance behind her decision.
Apa wrote: "My grandfather was my role model growing up. He taught me to stay active, push my limits, and embrace challenges, shaping my love for sports and movement."
Topics: US News
Greg Harris
