“OW… OW OW”: 24-YEAR-OLD RACHEL APA’S FINAL TEXTS TO HER FATHER BEFORE SHE COLLAPSED JUST TWO MILES FROM THE NYC MARATHON FINISH LINE

She was a former college athlete, a young professional and a first-time marathon runner who had spent months preparing for the challenge. Rachel Apa was running in memory of her grandfather and hoping to help others affected by Parkinson’s disease. Then, near the final miles of the race, her messages to her father suddenly stopped.

A family is mourning the heartbreaking loss of a 24-year-old woman who collapsed during her first New York City Marathon, just over two miles from the finish line.

Rachel Apa, from Lewisberry, Pennsylvania, was participating in the race on Sunday, November 1, 2026, when she experienced a medical emergency near mile 24 in Central Park.

She was rushed to Mount Sinai Hospital in critical condition but died later that evening, at approximately 9:40 p.m.

What makes the tragedy especially painful is the series of text messages Rachel exchanged with her father, Steve Apa, as she made her way through the 26.2-mile course.

Those messages began with excitement and encouragement. But as the race progressed, they became increasingly concerning.

A FIRST MARATHON RUN FOR SOMEONE SHE LOVED

For Rachel, the New York City Marathon was about much more than completing a difficult athletic challenge.

She was running in memory of her beloved grandfather, who died from Parkinson’s disease in 2022.

Growing up, he had been one of her greatest role models. He encouraged her to stay active, embrace challenges and appreciate the freedom that movement could bring.

When he was diagnosed with Parkinson’s, Rachel witnessed how the disease gradually affected his ability to move.

After his passing, she decided to honor his memory by participating in the marathon and raising money for the Parkinson’s Foundation.

Her fundraising campaign reflected the personal meaning behind the race. She wanted her effort to help other families facing the same disease.

For Rachel, every mile carried a purpose.

HER MOTHER WATCHED HER SMILE AT MILE 14

Rachel had spent months preparing for her first marathon.

A former Division I field hockey player at Bucknell University, she was familiar with competitive sports, physical training and pushing herself toward demanding goals.

On race day, her mother, Michelle, traveled to New York to watch her daughter run.

At approximately mile 14 in Queens, Michelle captured a video of Rachel passing by in her light-green running outfit.

Rachel appeared happy and energetic, smiling and waving as she moved along the course.

It was a proud moment for her mother, who later made her way toward Central Park to wait for Rachel closer to the finish line.

Meanwhile, Steve was following his daughter’s progress from their home in Lewisberry, using the marathon’s tracking app and sending her encouraging messages.

At first, everything seemed to be going well.

THE TEXT MESSAGES THAT WOULD BECOME A FAMILY’S LAST MEMORIES

Earlier in the race, Rachel had sent her father an encouraging update.

She told him she felt amazing and had never felt better.

But as the miles passed, the messages began to change.

At mile 18, Rachel sent her father a short text:

“Ow.”

Steve encouraged her to take it easy.

At mile 19, another message arrived:

“Ow ow.”

Her father continued sending supportive messages, reminding her not to push too hard and that finishing safely mattered more than speed.

Rachel continued moving along the course, but her replies became less frequent.

At mile 23, Steve sent her another message:

“Final stretch.”

There was no response.

He continued tracking her location through the marathon app. When he noticed that her position had stopped moving near mile 24, his concern grew.

Rachel’s mother and friends were waiting farther along the route, around mile 25. When they also realized something was wrong, the family began trying to find her.

But Rachel had already collapsed.

A DESPERATE EFFORT TO SAVE HER

The medical emergency happened in Central Park, near the 24-mile marker, with approximately two miles remaining.

A spectator, Michaela Nicholas, witnessed Rachel collapse and rushed to help.

Nicholas, a hospital social worker, joined other bystanders in trying to assist the young runner.

CPR was performed before medical personnel from the marathon arrived. Race medical staff continued resuscitation efforts and used a defibrillator.

Paramedics subsequently transported Rachel to Mount Sinai Hospital in critical condition.

Her mother, Michelle, was making her way toward the area where Rachel had collapsed. According to her father, an emergency medical worker informed Michelle that her daughter had already been taken to the hospital.

She was then transported to the hospital to be with her family.

Despite the efforts of bystanders, medical personnel and hospital staff, Rachel could not be saved.

She died that evening.

WHAT HER FATHER SAID ABOUT THE CAUSE OF HER DEATH

In interviews following the tragedy, Steve Apa said doctors had attributed his daughter’s death to rhabdomyolysis, a potentially life-threatening condition involving the rapid breakdown of muscle tissue.

The condition can occur after extreme physical exertion and, in severe cases, may lead to dangerous complications affecting the kidneys and other organs.

Steve described his daughter as being in excellent health and physical condition.

The New York City Office of the Chief Medical Examiner said it was investigating the cause of death. The father’s account of the doctors’ explanation has been reported by multiple news outlets, but the medical examiner’s final determination had not yet been announced.

Rachel’s death has also renewed attention on the importance of recognizing serious medical warning signs during endurance events.

A YOUNG WOMAN WHO HAD SO MUCH MORE TO GIVE

Beyond the marathon, Rachel had been building a promising life.

She had played Division I field hockey at Bucknell University and remained passionate about sports and physical activity.

She was also working as a product manager and had recently begun an MBA program at Charleston Southern University.

Her future held professional ambitions, personal goals and countless experiences she had yet to discover.

The marathon was supposed to be another milestone in a life shaped by determination, athleticism and a desire to help others.

Instead, it became the final race she would ever run.

A FAMILY ASKING THE WORLD TO REMEMBER RACHEL

The New York Road Runners organization, which organizes the marathon, expressed deep sadness over Rachel’s death and extended condolences to her family, friends and the running community.

Her fundraising effort for Parkinson’s disease also drew renewed attention after the tragedy, with donations surpassing her original goal.

For her parents, Steve and Michelle, the loss is beyond words.

The messages that once carried encouragement between a father and daughter now remain as painful reminders of the final hours of Rachel’s life.

At mile 18, she told him she was hurting.

At mile 19, she told him again.

At mile 23, he encouraged her that the finish line was close.

But she never made it there.

Rachel had entered the marathon hoping to honor her grandfather and help families affected by Parkinson’s disease. Although she never crossed the finish line, the purpose behind her run continues to inspire those who have learned her story.

May Rachel Apa rest in peace. And may her parents, Steve and Michelle, and everyone who loved her find strength through this unimaginable loss.