24-YEAR-OLD WOMAN diᩚєs FROM RARE CONDITION AFTER COLLAPSING JUST 2 MILES FROM NYC MARATHON FINISH LINE — SHE WAS RUNNING IN MEMORY OF HER BELOVED GRANDFATHER

Rachel Apa had spent months preparing for her first New York City Marathon, hoping to honor the grandfather who inspired her love of sports. Her parents watched her progress throughout the race, exchanging messages with her as she made her way through the course. But just two miles from the finish, everything changed.

A 24-year-old woman has died after collapsing during the New York City Marathon, just two miles from the finish line, in a heartbreaking tᩚraɢedy that has left her family and the running community mourning.

Rachel Apa, from Lewisberry, Pennsylvania, was participating in the marathon on Sunday, November 1, 2026, when she suddenly collapsed in Central Park near the 24-mile mark.

She had been running her first-ever marathon in memory of her beloved grandfather, who passed away four years earlier after living with Parkinson’s disease.

What was supposed to be a celebration of his life and the lessons he had taught her instead became an unimaginable loss for her family.

SHE WAS JUST TWO MILES FROM ACHIEVING HER DREAM

Rachel had been looking forward to the New York City Marathon, preparing for the demanding race while raising money in honor of her grandfather.

He had been one of her biggest inspirations growing up, teaching her to stay active, challenge herself and embrace physical activity.

On her fundraising page for Parkinson’s Champions, Rachel explained why the race meant so much to her.

Her grandfather had taught her to push her limits and appreciate the freedom of movement. Later in his life, Parkinson’s disease gradually took away the physical abilities he had once enjoyed.

He passed away in 2022, but Rachel wanted to carry his memory forward by completing the marathon.

She had played field hockey at Bucknell University in Pennsylvania and had recently begun a master’s degree program at Charleston Southern University in South Carolina.

For Rachel, running the marathon was more than a sporting achievement. It was a personal tribute to someone who had helped shape the person she had become.

HER PARENTS WERE FOLLOWING EVERY MILE

Throughout the race, Rachel’s parents, Steve and Michelle Apa, were closely following her progress.

Her mother had been watching and recording moments of the race, while her father remained at home in Lewisberry, tracking Rachel through the marathon app and sending her messages along the way.

At approximately the 14-mile mark, Michelle captured a video of her daughter smiling and reaching out to high-five the camera.

It was a joyful moment that showed Rachel continuing toward her goal.

But later, the messages began to change.

According to The New York Times, Rachel responded to her father’s messages around the 18-mile mark with a short word:

“Ow.”

A mile later, she sent another message:

“Ow ow.”

Steve continued trying to communicate with his daughter, but no further replies came.

At the time, he had no way of knowing that something far more serious was happening.

SHE COLLAPSED IN CENTRAL PARK AS SPECTATORS RUSHED TO HELP

At approximately 1:30 p.m. local time, Rachel collapsed near the 24-mile point of the marathon in Central Park.

She was only about two miles away from the finish line.

Spectators immediately rushed toward her. Some people who witnessed the incident identified themselves as medical professionals and began performing CPR.

Medical personnel subsequently arrived and used a defibrillator in an effort to save her.

Paramedics transported Rachel by ambulance to nearby Mount Sinai Medical Center.

Her mother, Michelle, traveled in a second ambulance so she could be by her daughter’s side.

Doctors continued trying to save her life, but despite their efforts, Rachel was pronounced dead at approximately 9:40 p.m. that evening.

She had been surrounded by people trying to help her, but the young woman’s condition proved fatal.

HER FATHER REVEALS THE RARE CONDITION BEHIND HER dєatᩚh

Rachel’s father, Steve Apa, told The New York Times that his daughter died from rhabdomyolysis, a potentially life-threatening condition involving the breakdown of muscle tissue.

The condition can occur following extreme physical exertion, serious muscle injury or other medical triggers.

When muscle cells break down, substances normally contained within them are released into the bloodstream. This can cause serious complications, including kidney damage and potentially life-threatening organ problems.

According to the Cleveland Clinic, rhabdomyolysis can develop after excessive exercise and requires urgent medical attention.

Speaking about the loss of his daughter, Steve struggled to comprehend what had happened.

“It’s unfathomable,” he said.

“Perfect health, perfect shape, 24 years old.”

His words reflect the shock experienced by a family who had believed their daughter was healthy and had been watching her pursue an extraordinary personal challenge.

A MARATHON ORGANIZER EXPRESSES DEEP SADNESS

The New York Road Runners, the organization responsible for the New York City Marathon, also expressed condolences following Rachel’s passing.

“We are deeply saddened by Rachel’s passing following Sunday’s race. Our thoughts and sincere sympathies are with her family, friends, and the entire running community,” the organization told PEOPLE.

The tᩚraɢedy has brought renewed attention to the medical risks that can accompany extreme endurance exercise.

Although marathons are celebrated as tests of determination and physical achievement, serious medical emergencies can occur even among experienced and seemingly healthy participants.

Rhabdomyolysis is one such condition, and its symptoms can sometimes develop during or after strenuous physical activity.

SHE RAN FOR THE GRANDFATHER WHO TAUGHT HER TO KEEP MOVING

Perhaps the most heartbreaking part of Rachel’s story is the reason she had chosen to run.

She was not simply chasing a personal record or trying to complete one of the world’s most famous marathons.

She was running for her grandfather.

The man who had encouraged her to stay active and embrace challenges was no longer there to watch her cross the finish line.

Yet she carried his memory with her through every mile.

Her fundraising message reflected how deeply his influence had shaped her life, even years after his passing.

Rachel never got the chance to complete those final two miles.

Instead, her family is left remembering a young woman who pursued her goals, valued the people who inspired her and wanted to turn a sporting achievement into something meaningful.

She was 24 years old, had recently begun a new chapter in her education and had so much of her future still ahead of her.

Her story is now a heartbreaking reminder of how quickly life can change.

May Rachel Apa rest in peace.