A runner who collapsed during the final stretch of the New York City Marathon has died from a rare and potentially life-threatening muscle condition.
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Rachel Apa, 24, died from rhabdomyolysis, according to her father, Steve, who revealed the cause of his daughter's death.
Rhabdomyolysis occurs when damaged muscle tissue breaks down and releases harmful substances into the bloodstream, potentially causing serious complications.
According to the Cleveland Clinic, the condition can develop following an injury or excessive physical exertion without adequate rest and can become life-threatening.
Marathon Runner Dies After Collapsing Near Finish Line
Apa was approaching Mile 24 of the New York City Marathon in Central Park, near 85th Street, when she suddenly collapsed at approximately 1:30 p.m. on Sunday.
Her father described her as being in "Perfect health, perfect shape," calling her sudden death "unfathomable".
Steve had been following his daughter's progress through the marathon's tracking app from his home in Lewisberry, Pennsylvania.
The pair had exchanged messages throughout the race, with Steve regularly checking in as Rachel made her way toward the finish line.
However, at Mile 18, Rachel responded to one of his messages with "Ow" before sending another message reading "Ow ow" a mile later.
Although communication stopped between Miles 20 and 22, Steve could still see his daughter making progress through the tracking app.
As she reached Mile 23, he sent another encouraging message: "final stretch,"
Shortly afterward, the app showed that Rachel had stopped moving.
Witnesses Describe Desperate Attempts to Save Runner's Life
Spectator Michaela Nicholas was standing near Mile 24 when she spotted Rachel running past and shouted words of encouragement.
Moments later, Rachel collapsed, prompting Nicholas and her fiancée to rush over and help.
They were unable to detect a pulse, and three bystanders, including two physicians, began administering CPR.
Medical personnel subsequently arrived and attempted to revive Rachel using a defibrillator.
Rachel's mother, who had been waiting near the finish line, rushed to the scene as paramedics arrived in an ambulance.
Emergency responders transported Rachel to Mount Sinai Medical Center, where doctors spent more than six hours attempting to save her life.
Despite their efforts, doctors pronounced her dead at approximately 9:40 p.m.
Apa was pursuing an MBA at Charleston Southern University and had entered the marathon to raise money for Parkinson's disease research.
