Tragedy struck the NYC Marathon on Sunday when Rachel Apa, a 24-year-old graduate of Bucknell University, collapsed less than two miles from the finish line in Central Park and later died. This marks the first fatality in the race since 2024.
A first-time marathon participant, Apa ran in support of the Parkinson’s Champions program, a cause deeply personal to her due to her grandfather’s struggle with Parkinson’s disease.
What Happened to Rachel Apa During the NYC Marathon?
At approximately 1:30 PM, Apa collapsed inside Central Park during the closing stages of the race. Spectators nearby immediately began administering chest compressions while race medics arrived with a defibrillator. Emergency responders quickly transported her to Mount Sinai Medical Center, where doctors fought for six hours to save her life.
Her father, Steve Apa, informed The New York Times that Rachel passed away around 9:40 PM. Earlier in the race, she had appeared to be in good spirits; footage from mile 14 showed her smiling. However, by mile 18, she sent a single text message to her father saying only, “Ow.”
Her family suspects she suffered from rhabdomyolysis, a rare condition involving the breakdown of muscle tissue that releases harmful proteins into the bloodstream. Medical authorities have not yet confirmed this diagnosis.
Prior to Apa’s death, no runner had died due to a race-day medical emergency at the NYC Marathon since 2024, underscoring the rarity and shock of this incident.