Rachel Apa, a 24-year-old woman from Lewisberry, Pennsylvania, has died after collapsing near the finish of the New York City Marathon. She was running her first marathon on November 1, 2026, to raise money for Parkinson’s disease research in honour of her late grandfather.
Apa collapsed near mile 24 of the 26.2-mile race in Central Park, just over two miles from the finish line, according to the New York Police Department. Emergency responders transported her to Mount Sinai Hospital, where medical teams attempted to save her. She died later that evening.
Her death has prompted tributes from her university, former teammates, employer and members of the running community.
A marathon run in honour of her grandfather
Apa took part in the race as a member of the Parkinson’s Champions fundraising team, supporting the Parkinson’s Foundation. Her grandfather, who had Parkinson’s disease, died in 2022.
On her fundraising page, Apa explained how he had influenced her love of sports and encouraged her to stay active and embrace challenges. She set a fundraising target of $4,000, which was quickly surpassed following news of her death.
Her father, Steve Apa, told media outlets that his daughter had been training for months and appeared to be in excellent health. He said she had sent him messages during the race, including one saying she had never felt better.
As the race progressed, her messages reportedly indicated discomfort. Her father later noticed that her location had stopped moving on the marathon tracking application.
Emergency response and reported cause of death
A spectator reportedly began performing CPR after Apa collapsed. Medical personnel continued resuscitation efforts and used a defibrillator before paramedics took her to hospital.
Her father told The New York Times that doctors attributed her death to rhabdomyolysis, a serious condition involving the breakdown of muscle tissue that can lead to life-threatening complications.
The New York City medical examiner’s office said it was investigating the cause of death. The father’s account provides important context, while the medical examiner’s findings remain relevant to the official determination.
Remembering Rachel Apa
Apa graduated from Bucknell University in 2024, where she played Division I field hockey. She later worked as a product manager at TE Connectivity and had recently started a master’s programme at Charleston Southern University.
Bucknell University and USA Field Hockey expressed condolences following her death, remembering her contribution to the sport and the people around her.
Rachel Apa’s first marathon became an expression of her love for her grandfather and her commitment to helping others affected by Parkinson’s disease. Her death has left her family, friends and the wider athletic community mourning a young woman whose fundraising effort carried a deeply personal meaning.