Father of NYC Marathon runner who died reveals what killed daughter
The 24-year-old former college field hockey player was pronounced dead at a New York hospital after collapsing in Central Park.
TL;DR
- Rachel Apa, 24, died after collapsing during the New York City Marathon.
- Her father, Steve Apa, stated the cause of death was rhabdomyolysis, a rare muscle condition.
- Rhabdomyolysis can occur from excessive exercise without adequate rest and causes muscles to break down.
- Apa was running to raise funds for the Parkinson's Foundation, inspired by her grandfather who died from the disease in 2022.
- Medical personnel and bystanders attempted to help Apa at the scene, and she was transported to Mount Sinai Medical Center where she was pronounced dead.
- This marks the first death of a runner during the New York City Marathon since 2024.