24-Year-Old Former Athlete Dies After Collapsing During NYC Marathon

“Perfect health, perfect shape, 24 years old”

“It’s unfathomable,” Steve Apa told the New York Times, describing the sudden loss of his daughter, Rachel Apa, who died Sunday after collapsing during the New York City Marathon. The 24-year-old, a former Division I athlete, was participating in the 2026 TCS New York City Marathon when she experienced a medical incident, the Los Angeles Times reported.

The tragedy unfolded near the 24-mile mark of the race. According to the New York Police Department, officers assigned to the marathon observed Apa experiencing a medical episode at approximately 1:40 p.m. Bystanders attempted to assist by administering CPR until medical staff arrived on the scene to continue resuscitation efforts, which included the use of a defibrillator. She was transported by EMS to Mount Sinai Medical Center, where doctors worked for more than six hours to save her life. She was declared dead at approximately 9:40 p.m., her father told the New York Times.

The New York Road Runners, the organization that manages the marathon, released a statement expressing deep sadness over her passing and extending sympathies to her family and the running community. While the official investigation by the Office of Chief Medical Examiner in New York is ongoing, the family was informed by doctors that the cause of death was rhabdomyolysis, ABC News reported.

The medical reality of rhabdomyolysis

Rhabdomyolysis is a serious, life-threatening condition that occurs when damaged muscle tissue breaks down and releases its contents—specifically electrolytes and proteins—into the bloodstream. As noted by the National Institutes of Health, this process can lead to severe complications including kidney failure, heart arrhythmias, seizures, and death.

Nearly 60,000 runners from more than 140 countries competed in the New York City Marathon on Sunday, as crowds lined the route with banners to cheer them on. This year’s race marked 50 years since organisers introduced the five-borough course in 1976. Competitors covered 42.2… pic.twitter.com/Nc9jsmAxdQ

— https://x.com/Anewz_tv/status/2117066663573016949

The kidneys are particularly vulnerable during such an episode. In a healthy state, kidneys filter the blood to remove waste, but the sudden influx of proteins from breaking muscle cells can overwhelm their ability to function, leading to acute kidney injury. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention indicates that while anyone can develop the condition, marathon runners and high-performance athletes are among those at risk due to intense physical exertion.

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The transition from feeling well to a medical crisis can be rapid. Steve Apa told NBC News that earlier in the race, his daughter had texted him saying, “I feel amazing” and “I’ve never felt this good.” At the 14-mile mark, her mother, Michelle Apa, captured a video of her smiling and waving as she ran. However, as the race progressed, the tone of her communication changed; her father reported receiving texts stating “ugh” and “ow” before communication ceased around mile 20 or 21. Although the tracking app showed her progress continuing until mile 24, the physical collapse occurred shortly thereafter.

A life driven by movement and purpose

Rachel Apa was a person defined by her dedication to both sport and service. A graduate of Bucknell University, she was a key contributor to the university’s field hockey team, making 42 starts during her four years there. Following graduation in 2024 with a degree in business administration, she worked as a product manager at TE Connectivity while pursuing an MBA at Charleston Southern University in South Carolina.

Rachel apa ht gmh hpmain — Photo: abcnews.com

Her decision to run the New York City Marathon was deeply personal. She was running as part of the Parkinson’s Champions team to raise funds for Parkinson’s research, a cause inspired by her grandfather. On her fundraising page, she noted that her grandfather had been her role model, teaching her to embrace challenges, and that watching his struggle with the disease had shaped her drive. Her efforts were met with overwhelming support; she set a fundraising goal of $4,000 but ultimately raised more than $21,000.

24-year-old runner Rachel Apa dies after collapsing during NYC Marathon

The loss of such a young, active individual has sent shockwaves through the athletic community. The New York Road Runners noted that the last time a participant suffered a fatal medical incident during the race was in 2024. For a family that saw her as the embodiment of vitality, the suddenness of the event remains a profound mystery.

“My grandfather… taught me to stay active, push my limits, and embrace challenges, shaping my love for sports and movement.”

As the medical examiner continues its investigation to reach a final determination, the community is left to grapple with the reality of a life that was, in the words of her father, in “perfect health.”