24-YEAR-OLD RUNNER DIES JUST 2 MILES FROM NYC MARATHON FINISH LINE — SHE WAS RUNNING TO HONOR HER LATE GRANDFATHER

Rachel Apa had spent months preparing for her first New York City Marathon. The accomplished former college athlete was running in memory of her grandfather and raising money for Parkinson’s research when she suddenly collapsed near the finish line.

A 24-year-old woman has died after collapsing during her first New York City Marathon, just two miles short of completing the race.

Rachel Apa, from Lewisberry, Pennsylvania, was taking part in the marathon on Sunday, November 1, 2026, as a member of the Parkinson’s Champions team. She was running in honor of her beloved grandfather, who had battled Parkinson’s disease before his death in 2022.

What was meant to be a deeply personal milestone became an unimaginable loss for her family.

HER FINAL MESSAGES TO HER FATHER

Rachel’s parents had been following her progress throughout the race.

Her mother, Michelle, was in New York watching the marathon, while her father, Steve, remained in Pennsylvania, tracking his daughter’s location and sending her encouraging messages.

As Rachel continued running, she reportedly began telling her father that she was experiencing pain.

Around mile 18, she sent him a short message: “Ow.”

Approximately one mile later, another message followed: “Ow, Ow.”

Her father continued encouraging her as she approached the final stretch, hoping she would make it to the finish line.

But when he tried to contact her around mile 23, Rachel no longer responded.

SHE COLLAPSED IN CENTRAL PARK

At approximately 1:30 p.m., near mile 24 in Central Park, Rachel suddenly collapsed.

Spectators rushed to help. Several bystanders, including people reportedly with medical training, began performing CPR while marathon medical personnel responded to the emergency.

Medical teams continued resuscitation efforts, including the use of an automated external defibrillator.

Rachel was transported to Mount Sinai Medical Center, where doctors continued trying to save her life.

Despite hours of medical treatment, she was pronounced dead at approximately 9:40 p.m.

Her sudden passing has left her family and loved ones devastated.

HER FATHER SHARES A POSSIBLE MEDICAL EXPLANATION

Speaking to The New York Times, Rachel’s father said he believed she may have suffered from rhabdomyolysis, a potentially life-threatening condition involving the breakdown of damaged muscle tissue.

The condition can cause substances released from damaged muscles to enter the bloodstream, potentially leading to serious complications, including kidney failure and dangerous heart rhythm disturbances.

However, as of November 3, Rachel’s official cause of death had not been determined.

The New York City medical examiner’s office was investigating.

Her father’s suggestion has not been confirmed as the medical cause of her passing.

A MARATHON RUN WITH A MUCH DEEPER PURPOSE

Rachel was not simply running to complete her first marathon.

She had joined the Parkinson’s Champions team to honor her grandfather, who inspired her love of athletics and staying active.

She also wanted to make a difference for others living with Parkinson’s disease by raising money for the Parkinson’s Foundation.

Her original fundraising goal was $4,000, but her efforts reportedly surpassed that amount.

Rachel had previously played Division I field hockey at Bucknell University. Her family described her as being in excellent health, and she had spent months preparing for the demanding race.

She was an accomplished athlete with a strong passion for sports and an important cause close to her heart.

A DREAM THAT ENDED JUST SHORT OF THE FINISH

Rachel had come so close to completing her first New York City Marathon.

Just two miles remained.

Her family had been cheering her on, and she was running for someone whose memory meant so much to her.

Instead of celebrating her achievement at the finish line, her loved ones are now facing a loss that words cannot fully express.

Her story has touched many people, not only because of the heartbreaking circumstances but also because of the purpose behind every mile she ran.

Rachel Apa set out to honor her grandfather and support families affected by Parkinson’s disease. Although she never reached the finish line, the love and purpose behind her journey will not be forgotten.

May Rachel rest in peace, and may her family find strength and comfort in the memories they shared. 🕊️