For thousands of runners each year, the New York Marathon is a test of endurance and preparation, a time to share a sense of community bonding the entrants, and a way to commemorate the lives of lost loved ones. To Rachel Apa, 24, it was a chance to honor her late grandfather, per The New York Post. She "was taking part in her first marathon Sunday as part of the Parkinson's Champions team in honor of her late grandfather, who battled the disease before his death in 2022," according to the outlet.
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It clearly meant a lot to the young woman to be present for the event. Apa said in a fundraiser, "My grandfather was my role model growing up. He taught me to stay active, push limits, and embrace challenges, shaping my love for sports and movement."
Apa was an athlete in college She participated in field jockey at Bucknell University. Furthermore, she trained for the Marathon. But a happy ending was not to be for her on Sunday, November 1, in the storied Big Apple race.
Apa Seemed To Be Doing Well to a Certain Point
Per the outlet, she reportedly looked triumphant in a video that her mother, Michelle, took at mile 14 of the 26.2 mile course. Then Rachel Apa alarmingly texted her father, Steve, "Ow" at mile 18. Just one mile later, she texted, "Ow, ow." Steve Apa texted her to say, "Final stretch" at mile 23. There was no answer from her, though.
She reportedly collapsed in Central Park. CPR was administered to her. Michelle Apa headed over there to see what was happening to her daughter. Apa was brought to Mount Sinai Hospital, where, per her father, she tragically died that night.
The cause her her death was allegedly a condition called rhabdomyolysis. According to the CDC, this is a condition that arises when "damaged muscle tissue releases proteins and electrolytes into the blood." One possible trigger can be intense exertion. The problem can potentially be life-threatening.
Per NBC News, her grieving dad said, "She was always on the go, and it doesn't matter if it's school or sports or whatever it is. She was go."
