Father shares final texts from 24-year-old runner who collapsed during NYC marathon
NBC News • • sports
Key Points:
- Rachel Apa, a 24-year-old first-time marathon runner, died after experiencing a medical emergency near mile 24 of the New York City Marathon; she was taken to Mount Sinai Hospital in critical condition and died hours later.
- Rachel's father, Steve Apa, described the situation as "unfathomable" and shared details of their text exchanges during the race, noting her initial excitement and later signs of distress.
- Medical staff and a bystander administered CPR and used a defibrillator at the scene, but Rachel was later diagnosed with rhabdomyolysis, a rare and serious muscle breakdown condition caused by overexertion.
- Rachel was a lifelong athlete and former Division I field hockey player who ran the marathon in honor of her grandfather, who had Parkinson’s disease.
- Her family is grieving the loss, with her parents and brothers coping with the tragedy while reflecting on her active and determined spirit.
