24-YEAR-OLD RACHEL APA DIES JUST TWO MILES FROM NYC MARATHON FINISH LINE AFTER SUDDEN MEDICAL EMERGENCY

The former college field hockey player was running her first New York City Marathon in honor of her late grandfather when she collapsed in Central Park. Her family says doctors attributed her death to a rare condition linked to muscle breakdown.

A family in Pennsylvania is facing an unimaginable loss after 24-year-old Rachel Apa died following a medical emergency during the New York City Marathon, just over two miles from the finish line.

Apa, of Lewisberry, Pennsylvania, was participating in her first-ever marathon on Sunday, November 1, 2026. What was supposed to be a milestone achievement and a deeply personal tribute to someone she loved ended in tragedy near mile 24 of the 26.2-mile race.

According to the New York Police Department, Rachel experienced a medical emergency in Central Park at approximately 2 p.m. She was transported to Mount Sinai Hospital in critical condition but later died that evening.

Her father, Steve Apa, told NBC News and The New York Times that doctors informed the family she had suffered rhabdomyolysis, a rare and potentially life-threatening condition involving the rapid breakdown of muscle tissue.

A FINAL STRETCH THAT NEVER CAME

Rachel had spent months preparing for the New York City Marathon. As a lifelong athlete and former Division I field hockey player at Bucknell University, she was no stranger to physical challenges.

Her family and friends had traveled to New York to support her during the race. Her mother, Michelle, was following the course and waiting to cheer her on, while her father remained at home in Pennsylvania, tracking her progress through the marathon’s mobile application.

The two continued exchanging text messages throughout the race.

Around mile nine, Rachel reassured her father that she was feeling great.

“I feel amazing,” she reportedly told him, adding that she had never felt better.

Her father encouraged her to take it easy, reminding her that this was her first marathon and that finishing safely mattered more than speed.

As the race continued, however, her messages began to change.

Around mile 18, Rachel sent her father a short message: “Ow.”

A few miles later, she followed with another message: “Ow, ow.”

Steve continued checking on his daughter and encouraging her to slow down.

By mile 23, he sent her a final reminder: “All finish, not speed.”

He later sent another message when she reached approximately mile 24.

But this time, Rachel did not respond.

Her location on the marathon tracking application had stopped moving.

Her mother and friends, who were waiting near mile 25, also realized something was wrong. Michelle began searching for her daughter along the course.

An emergency medical worker eventually informed her that Rachel had been transported to the hospital.

STRANGERS RUSHED TO HELP

According to New York Road Runners, the nonprofit organization responsible for organizing the marathon, a bystander began performing CPR after Rachel collapsed.

Medical personnel subsequently continued resuscitation efforts and used a defibrillator in an attempt to save her life.

Paramedics transported Rachel to Mount Sinai Hospital, where doctors continued fighting to save her.

Her father told The Los Angeles Times that medical teams worked for more than six hours, but their efforts were unsuccessful.

Rachel was pronounced dead at approximately 9:40 p.m. Sunday evening.

One spectator, Michaela Nicholas, later recalled witnessing Rachel collapse.

Nicholas, a hospital social worker, said she approached Rachel and held her hand while other bystanders attempted CPR.

She stayed beside the young runner, offering comfort and reassurance during the emergency.

The moment left a lasting impression on those who witnessed it.

WHAT IS RHABDOMYOLYSIS?

According to Rachel’s father, doctors attributed her death to rhabdomyolysis, a rare but serious medical condition.

Rhabdomyolysis occurs when damaged muscle tissue breaks down and releases proteins and other substances into the bloodstream. These substances can overwhelm the kidneys and potentially lead to acute kidney injury and other life-threatening complications.

The condition can develop following severe physical exertion, muscle injury, extreme exercise or other medical circumstances.

Although it is uncommon, it can affect athletes, including people who are physically fit and regularly exercise.

Symptoms may include unusual muscle pain, weakness, swelling and dark-colored urine. In some cases, complications can develop rapidly and require emergency medical treatment.

Rachel’s father described his daughter as someone who was healthy, athletic and constantly active.

“It’s unfathomable,” he said, reflecting on losing his 24-year-old daughter.

The New York City Office of Chief Medical Examiner was investigating the cause of her death. The family’s account of the diagnosis has been reported by multiple news organizations.

SHE RAN TO HONOR THE GRANDFATHER WHO INSPIRED HER

Beyond her athletic achievements, Rachel had a deeply personal reason for participating in the marathon.

She was running as part of the Parkinson’s Champions team to raise money for the Parkinson’s Foundation in honor of her late grandfather, who died in 2022 after living with Parkinson’s disease.

In her fundraising message, Rachel described her grandfather as one of her greatest role models.

She explained that he had taught her to stay active, push her limits and embrace challenges.

Watching his struggle with Parkinson’s disease had also given her a greater appreciation for movement and physical independence.

Although her grandfather was no longer there to witness her achievement, she wanted to honor the lessons he had passed down to her.

Her participation was therefore about much more than completing a marathon. It was an opportunity to support a cause that had touched her family personally.

Following news of her death, donations to her Parkinson’s Foundation fundraising page quickly surpassed her original $4,000 goal.

A LIFE FILLED WITH AMBITION AND ATHLETIC ACHIEVEMENTS

Rachel graduated from Bucknell University in 2024 with a degree in Markets, Innovation and Design.

During her four years at the university, she was an important member of the Bucknell field hockey team, making 42 starts across 63 games and recording 17 goals and six assists.

After graduating, she continued pursuing her professional and academic ambitions.

She worked as a product manager at TE Connectivity, an industrial technology company, while recently beginning an MBA program at Charleston Southern University in South Carolina.

Her father described her as someone who was always moving forward, whether in academics, athletics or her career.

“She was always on the go,” he recalled.

At just 24, Rachel had already built a life filled with goals, determination and opportunities she was excited to pursue.

TRIBUTES POUR IN FOLLOWING HER DEATH

News of Rachel’s passing prompted an outpouring of condolences from her university, former teammates, colleagues and the broader running community.

Bucknell University remembered her as a four-year member and key contributor to its field hockey program.

USA Field Hockey also shared condolences, recognizing the impact she had on the sport and the people around her.

New York Road Runners, the organization behind the marathon, released a statement expressing its sadness.

“We are deeply saddened by Rachel’s passing following running in Sunday’s race. Our thoughts and sincere sympathies are with her family, friends, and the entire running community.”

Rachel’s death has left her parents, two brothers, friends and everyone who knew her struggling to understand a loss that came so unexpectedly.

She had started the day with a goal: to complete her first marathon and honor the grandfather who had inspired her to keep moving forward.

She came within just over two miles of the finish line.

But although Rachel never got to cross it, the purpose behind her journey continues to resonate with the people whose lives she touched.

Her story is a heartbreaking reminder that behind every marathon bib is a person with dreams, loved ones and a reason for running.

May Rachel Apa rest in peace, and may her family find strength and comfort in the memories of the young woman whose determination inspired so many.