[REVISION HISTORY]

Death of runner Rachel Apa during New York City Marathon

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2026-11-05 23:02 UTC → 2026-11-06 06:33 UTC · added ~~removed~~

Rachel Apa, a 24-year-old runner from Lewisberry, Pennsylvania, died after collapsing during the New York City Marathon. The incident occurred near the 38-kilometer mark in Central Park, approximately two miles from the finish line. A former NCAA Division I field hockey athlete, Apa was running to raise funds for Parkinson’s disease research in memory of her grandfather. Medical staff and bystanders performed CPR and used a defibrillator before she was transported to the hospital, where she died a few hours later. While the city medical examiner’s office stated the cause of death was under investigation, Apa’s father, Steve Apa, identified the cause as rhabdomyolysis. This condition occurs when extreme physical exertion causes muscle tissue to break down and release substances into the bloodstream, which can lead to kidney damage, electrolyte imbalances, and fatal heart issues. He noted that while Apa initially sent messages expressing euphoria, she later sent messages indicating discomfort at the 29 and 32-kilometer marks before communication ceased. Reports indicate that rhabdomyolysis is characterized by the release of electrolytes and proteins into the bloodstream, often accompanied by a significant increase in creatine phosphokinase (CPK) levels. When muscle tissue is damaged, these components can enter the circulation and intoxicate organs such as the kidneys and the cardiovascular system. If the condition progresses to untreated renal failure, it can be fatal.

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