Rachel Apa, a 24-year-old participant in the New York City Marathon, died on Sunday, November 1, after collapsing on the race course approximately 3.5 kilometers from the finish line. The incident occurred in Central Park near the 39-kilometer mark, leaving the first-time marathoner to die later at a local hospital.
Apa, a resident of Lewisberry, Pennsylvania, was running the race to raise funds for Parkinson’s disease research. The effort was a tribute to her grandfather, who passed away from the disease in 2022. Her father, Steve Apa, confirmed the tragedy to The New York Times, describing the loss of his daughter—whom he characterized as an athlete in excellent physical condition—as “unvoorstelbaar,” or unimaginable.
Medical Response in Central Park
The collapse took place at approximately the 39-kilometer point. Bystanders in the area immediately initiated CPR, and medical personnel from the marathon organization arrived shortly thereafter to provide assistance, utilizing a defibrillator on-site. Following these emergency efforts, Apa was transported to Mount Sinai Medical Center. Despite hours of intervention by hospital staff, she was pronounced dead later that evening.
New York Road Runners (NYRR), the organization responsible for the marathon, issued a statement expressing deep sorrow and offering condolences to Apa’s family and the broader running community. NYRR noted that this is the first time since 2024 that a participant has died following a medical incident during the event.
Final Communications During the Race
Family members had been following Apa’s progress throughout the day. Her mother, Michelle, saw her near the 22-kilometer mark, noting that her daughter appeared to be in good spirits. As the race progressed, her father tracked her movement via the marathon app and maintained communication through text messages.
At the 29-kilometer mark, Apa messaged her father to indicate she was experiencing pain. A kilometer later, she sent a follow-up message stating, “Ow, ow.” Her father encouraged her to pace herself. When he reached out again near the 37-kilometer mark to offer encouragement for the final stretch, he received no response.
Ongoing Investigation Into Cause of Death
Rhabdomyolysis is a known, albeit rare, risk associated with extreme physical exertion, even among individuals who are otherwise healthy and well-trained.
The New York City medical examiner is currently investigating the precise circumstances surrounding the death, according to CBS News. The investigation remains open.
Earlier coverage: 24-Year-Old Runner Rachel Apa Dies Near New York City Marathon Finish
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