Rachel Apa was running her first NYC marathon when she collapsed just a few miles from the finish line. The 24 year old former college field hockey player was taken to Mount Sinai Hospital where she died that evening. Her dad Steve Apa told the New York Times she died of rhabdomyolysis, a condition in which damage to muscle tissue causes the release of substances into the blood stream that can be damaging to vital organs. Her death has raised questions about the rare but serious condition, how intense exercise can trigger it and what warning signs runners should recognise. Who Was Rachel Apa? Rachel Apa was a 24-year-old graduate of Bucknell University and a former field hockey player. She had recently been working as a product manager for an electrical components company while studying for an MBA at Charleston Southern University. The New York City Marathon was her first marathon. She had spent months preparing for the 26.2-mile race. What Happened to Rachel Apa During the NYC Marathon? Rachel Apa collapsed in Central Park on Sunday, November 1, with about two miles remaining. The incident happened at approximately 1:30 p.m. A hospital social worker, Michaela Nicholas, rushed to help but could not find a pulse. Two doctors who were watching the race took turns performing CPR until medical personnel arrived with a defibrillator. Live Events You Might Also Like: Apa was taken to Mount Sinai Medical Center. Despite efforts to save her, she died at 9:40 p.m., according to her father, Steve Apa. What Her Father Said About Her Cause of Death Steve Apa told The New York Times that his daughter died from rhabdomyolysis, a condition that causes muscle tissue to break down and release potentially harmful substances into the bloodstream. He struggled to understand how his daughter could have died at such a young age. “It’s unfathomable,” he said. He also described her as being in “perfect health, perfect shape, 24 years old.” You Might Also Like: What Is Rhabdomyolysis, and How Does It Affect the Body? Rhabdomyolysis, often called rhabdo, occurs when damaged muscle tissue releases proteins and electrolytes into the bloodstream. One of these proteins, myoglobin, can damage the kidneys. In severe cases, the condition can lead to kidney failure, dangerous heart rhythm problems and seizures. It can affect anyone, including young and otherwise healthy athletes. The information is taken from DIARIO AS, S.L. Can Intense Exercise Cause Rhabdomyolysis? Yes. Intense physical activity can cause rhabdomyolysis, particularly when someone pushes their body beyond its limits. Exercising in hot conditions can increase the risk. The condition is not limited to marathon runners. It can also occur after strenuous workouts. A 2024 incident involving members of the Tufts University men's lacrosse team brought attention to the risks after five players were hospitalized with rhabdomyolysis following a supervised workout. What Are the Symptoms, and When Should Runners Seek Medical Help? The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention identifies three important warning signs: You Might Also Like: - Muscle pain or cramps that are more severe than expected. - Dark urine that resembles tea or cola. - Unusual weakness or extreme fatigue. Symptoms can develop during exercise or appear hours or even days later. Anyone experiencing these signs after strenuous activity should stop exercising and seek immediate medical attention. How Is Rhabdomyolysis Diagnosed and Treated? Doctors use blood tests to check levels of creatine kinase, commonly called CK. This enzyme is released when muscle tissue is damaged. Symptoms alone are not enough to confirm the condition. Treatment depends on how severe the damage is. Some people may need rest and fluids under medical supervision, while serious cases require hospital care and intravenous fluids to protect the kidneys and manage electrolyte imbalances. Gradually increasing exercise intensity, avoiding overheating and staying hydrated can help reduce the risk. Why Rachel Apa Was Running in Memory of Her Grandfather Rachel Apa was running with the Parkinson’s Foundation Champions program to raise money and awareness in honour of her grandfather, who died from Parkinson’s disease in 2022. On her fundraising page, she described him as her childhood role model. She wrote that he taught her to stay active, push her limits and embrace challenges. She also explained that watching his illness gradually take away his ability to move had made the cause especially meaningful to her. "My grandfather was my role model growing up. He taught me to stay active, push my limits, and embrace challenges, shaping my love for sports and movement." "Later in life, he was diagnosed with Parkinson's disease, and I watched as the disease slowly took away the freedom to move that he once loved so much. He passed away in 2022, but the lessons he taught me continue to drive me forward,"she stated on her fundraising page. The inputs are taken from Mirror US. What Race Organizers Said After Her Death New York Road Runners, the organization behind the marathon, expressed sadness over Apa’s death and offered support to those affected. “We are deeply saddened by the death of one of our runners following yesterday’s race,” the organisation said. “Our thoughts and sincere sympathies are with the runner’s family, friends, and the entire running community.” Organizers said Apa was the first participant to die during the New York City Marathon since 2024. Her death has brought renewed attention to the serious health risks that can arise during endurance events. Add as a Reliable and Trusted News Source Add Now! 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Rachel Apa cause of death: What is rhabdomyolysis?
Rachel Apa was running her first NYC marathon when she collapsed just a few miles from the finish line. The 24 year old former college field hockey player was taken to Mount Sinai Hospital where she died that evening. Her dad Steve Apa told the New York Times she died of rhabdomyolysis, a condition in which damage to muscle tissue causes the release of substances into the blood stream that can be damaging to vital organs. Her death has raised questions about the rare but serious condition, how intense exercise can trigger it and what warning signs runners should recognise. Who Was Rachel Apa? Rachel Apa was a 24-year-old graduate of Bucknell University and a former field hockey player. She had recently been working as a product manager for an electrical components company while studying for an MBA at Charleston Southern University. The New York City Marathon was her first marathon. She had spent months preparing for the 26.2-mile race. What Happened to Rachel Apa During the NYC Marathon? Rachel Apa collapsed in Central Park on Sunday, November 1, with about two miles remaining. The incident happened at approximately 1:30 p.m. A hospital social worker, Michaela Nicholas, rushed to help but could not find a pulse. Two doctors who were watching the race took turns performing CPR until medical personnel arrived with a defibrillator. Live Events You Might Also Like: Apa was taken to Mount Sinai Medical Center. Despite efforts to save her, she died at 9:40 p.m., according to her father, Steve Apa. What Her Father Said About Her Cause of Death Steve Apa told The New York Times that his daughter died from rhabdomyolysis, a condition that causes muscle tissue to break down and release potentially harmful substances into the bloodstream. He struggled to understand how his daughter could have died at such a young age. “It’s unfathomable,” he said. He also described her as being in “perfect health, perfect shape, 24 years old.” You Might Also Like: What Is Rhabdomyolysis, and How Does It Affect the Body? Rhabdomyolysis, often called rhabdo, occurs when damaged muscle tissue releases proteins and electrolytes into the bloodstream. One of these proteins, myoglobin, can damage the kidneys. In severe cases, the condition can lead to kidney failure, dangerous heart rhythm problems and seizures. It can affect anyone, including young and otherwise healthy athletes. The information is taken from DIARIO AS, S.L. Can Intense Exercise Cause Rhabdomyolysis? Yes. Intense physical activity can cause rhabdomyolysis, particularly when someone pushes their body beyond its limits. Exercising in hot conditions can increase the risk. The condition is not limited to marathon runners. It can also occur after strenuous workouts. A 2024 incident involving members of the Tufts University men's lacrosse team brought attention to the risks after five players were hospitalized with rhabdomyolysis following a supervised workout. What Are the Symptoms, and When Should Runners Seek Medical Help? The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention identifies three important warning signs: You Might Also Like: - Muscle pain or cramps that are more severe than expected. - Dark urine that resembles tea or cola. - Unusual weakness or extreme fatigue. Symptoms can develop during exercise or appear hours or even days later. Anyone experiencing these signs after strenuous activity should stop exercising and seek immediate medical attention. How Is Rhabdomyolysis Diagnosed and Treated? Doctors use blood tests to check levels of creatine kinase, commonly called CK. This enzyme is released when muscle tissue is damaged. Symptoms alone are not enough to confirm the condition. Treatment depends on how severe the damage is. Some people may need rest and fluids under medical supervision, while serious cases require hospital care and intravenous fluids to protect the kidneys and manage electrolyte imbalances. Gradually increasing exercise intensity, avoiding overheating and staying hydrated can help reduce the risk. Why Rachel Apa Was Running in Memory of Her Grandfather Rachel Apa was running with the Parkinson’s Foundation Champions program to raise money and awareness in honour of her grandfather, who died from Parkinson’s disease in 2022. On her fundraising page, she described him as her childhood role model. She wrote that he taught her to stay active, push her limits and embrace challenges. She also explained that watching his illness gradually take away his ability to move had made the cause especially meaningful to her. "My grandfather was my role model growing up. He taught me to stay active, push my limits, and embrace challenges, shaping my love for sports and movement." "Later in life, he was diagnosed with Parkinson's disease, and I watched as the disease slowly took away the freedom to move that he once loved so much. He passed away in 2022, but the lessons he taught me continue to drive me forward,"she stated on her fundraising page. The inputs are taken from Mirror US. What Race Organizers Said After Her Death New York Road Runners, the organization behind the marathon, expressed sadness over Apa’s death and offered support to those affected. “We are deeply saddened by the death of one of our runners following yesterday’s race,” the organisation said. “Our thoughts and sincere sympathies are with the runner’s family, friends, and the entire running community.” Organizers said Apa was the first participant to die during the New York City Marathon since 2024. Her death has brought renewed attention to the serious health risks that can arise during endurance events. Add as a Reliable and Trusted News Source Add Now! (You can now subscribe to our Economic Times WhatsApp channel)
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