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A 24-year-old woman who participated in the New York City Marathon died on the 1st (local time) after collapsing just 2 miles (about 3.2km) before the finish line. The bereaved family explained that he was “very healthy and had good physical strength.”
Rachel Apa, from Lewisbury, Pennsylvania, said she participated in this marathon to honor her grandfather, who suffered from Parkinson's disease, and to raise funds with the Parkinson's Disease Foundation Champions.
Her father, Steve Apa, told the New York Times that although his daughter was an athlete and had been training for months, this was her first time competing in a marathon.
According to Steve, Rachel died from rhabdomyolysis, a rare disease that causes muscle cells to break down and release toxic substances into the bloodstream. Excessive physical activity is considered one of the causes of the disease.
In an interview with CBS News, the BBC's American partner, the event's organizer, the New York Road Runners, explained that Rachel collapsed in Central Park, near the 24-mile mark (approximately 38.6 km), and that a citizen at the scene performed CPR before medical staff arrived.
The New York Police Department said in a statement, which did not directly name Rachel, that the patient was taken to the hospital in critical condition.
Rachel died that night, and the New York City medical examiner's office said the cause of death is still under investigation.
According to the Times, Rachel texted her father "ow" around mile 18 (approximately 28.9 km), and "ow" a mile later. Then, at 23 miles (approximately 37 km), a text message was sent: “Last section.”
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In a statement obtained by CBS, the New York Road Runners said, "We are deeply saddened by the news that Rachel passed away after competing in the race on the 1st. We extend our deepest condolences and heartfelt condolences to her family, friends, and the entire running community."
According to the profile posted on the online platform 'LinkedIn', Rachel received a degree in business administration from Bucknell University in Pennsylvania in 2024, and also played field hockey while attending college. After graduation, I worked as a product manager at an industrial technology company.
Meanwhile, Rachel left a post on the marathon fundraising page about how much her grandfather, whom she wanted to honor by participating in this race, meant to her.
“My grandfather was my role model,” he wrote. “He taught me how to be active, how to push my limits, and how to accept challenges. Thanks to him, I developed a love for sports and exercise.”
According to the article, the grandfather was diagnosed with Parkinson's disease.
“I had to watch as the disease slowly robbed my grandfather of the freedom of movement he once loved so much.”
“The lessons my grandfather taught me still drive me forward.”
Meanwhile, more than 61,000 people participated in this year's 'New York City Marathon'. This event broke the record for the world's largest marathon for three consecutive years.
