NYC marathoner died from rare condition rhabdomyolysis, father says
Rhabdomyolysis is a rare condition that can occur after very intense exercise or be triggered by drugs.
A 24-year-old woman named Rachel died after collapsing 2 miles from the finish line of the TCS New York City Marathon, according to her father Steve Apa. Her father revealed that Rachel had been texting him during the race, mentioning she was in pain earlier on. Her mother was waiting at Mile 25, but Rachel did not reach the milestone.
She collapsed at Mile 24, and a bystander provided CPR before race organizers arrived. Medical staff from New York Road Runners administered a defibrillator and transported Rachel to a Mount Sinai hospital, where she passed away following further treatment. The cause of death has not been officially determined by the New York City Office of the Chief Medical Examiner.
Rhabdomyolysis, a condition in which muscle cells break down and release a protein called myoglobin into the blood, is believed to be the cause of Rachel's death. This rare condition affects up to 26,000 people annually in the United States. Risk factors include intense exercise, dehydration, and certain health conditions. Symptoms include muscle pain, weakness, and dark urine.
Prompt medical attention is crucial, as treatment involves IV fluids and monitoring of potassium levels.
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