Rachel Apa was just 24 years old when she collapsed during a marathon run in New York City and died. Her sudden death left everyone shocked, and now her father has claimed that she passed away from rhabdomyolysis. For those unfamiliar, Rachel ran her first-ever marathon on November 1, 2026, when she collapsed two miles from the finish line.
Rachel Apa reportedly died of rhabdomyolysis; what is it?
Rachel Apa died after collapsing just two miles away from the finish line of the New York City Marathon on Sunday, November 1, 2026. Her father, Steve Apa, revealed that she died from rhabdomyolysis, a potentially life-threatening condition involving muscle breakdown, in a conversation with The New York Times. However, the NYC medical examiner’s office has yet to confirm the cause of her death.
Stricken by grief, Steve Apa called his young daughter’s death “unfathomable” and shared that she was in “perfect health, perfect shape, 24 years old.” As for what rhabdomyolysis is, according to WebMD, commonly called ‘rhabdo’, the condition occurs when damaged muscle fibers break down and release their contents into the bloodstream. These substances can damage the kidneys, potentially causing kidney failure.
However, in severe cases, it can also lead to dangerous electrolyte imbalances, irregular heartbeats, and cardiac arrest. Although it can be fatal, early treatment can significantly improve recovery. The website alleged that extreme physical exertion can trigger the condition, particularly during prolonged or unusually intense exercise. According to the website, marathon runners and other endurance athletes may be at risk for rhabdomyolysis,
It states that those athletes and runners are at increased risk, especially when dehydration or high temperatures increase physical strain. However, that is not all. Other causes include crush injuries, certain medications, infections, and heatstroke. While investigators have not confirmed whether rhabdomyolysis caused Rachel Apa’s death, the revelation has led many to be curious about the condition.
What happened to Rachel Apa? The marathon runner was in pain before her death
Rachel Apa was running for the Parkinson’s Foundation Champions team in honor of her grandfather, who died in 2022. Talking about what inspired her to participate, she wrote on social media that her grandfather was her role model growing up. She credited him with inspiring her love for sports and movement. However, her death has also brought the spotlight to the importance of recognizing potentially serious exercise-related symptoms.
Following her death, her father, Steve Apa, has shared the last text he received from her. According to reports, Rachel Apa was a former Bucknell University field hockey player. Her mother had even recorded her smiling at mile 14, while her father tracked her progress from Pennsylvania. During the run, Rachel reportedly texted her father ‘Ow’ at mile 18. A mile later, she sent another message:
‘Ow, Ow.’
When Steve saw that she had reached mile 23, he even texted her “final stretch”. However, little did he know that the reply he was waiting for would never come. Rachel Apa collapsed near mile 24 in Central Park at approximately 1:30 PM.
According to New York Runners, a spectator began CPR before race medical personnel took over. She was soon transported to Mount Sinai Medical Center, where doctors attempted to save her life for more than six hours. Unfortunately, she was pronounced dead at 9:40 PM.
RIP, Rachel Apa.
PC: X
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