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Marathon Tragedy: Runner Collapses Near Finish Line
5 Nov
Summary
- A 24-year-old runner collapsed and died in Central Park.
- She suffered from rhabdomyolysis, a rare muscle breakdown condition.
- She was running to raise funds for the Parkinson's Foundation.
A tragic incident occurred during the 2026 New York City Marathon when 24-year-old Rachel Apa collapsed near the finish line in Central Park. Medical professionals and bystanders attempted to save her before she was transported to Mount Sinai Hospital, where she later passed away.
Her father revealed that Rachel suffered from rhabdomyolysis, a serious condition where damaged muscle tissue breaks down and releases harmful substances into the bloodstream. This can lead to kidney damage and can be life-threatening if not treated promptly. While her father stated this as the cause, the medical examiner's office was still investigating.
Apa was running her first marathon to raise funds for the Parkinson's Foundation, honoring her grandfather who died from the disease in 2022. She had been meticulously training for months. The New York Road Runners expressed their deep sorrow over her passing, noting she was the first runner to die following a medical incident at the marathon since 2024.
