24-year-old runner Rachel Apa dies after collapsing during NYC Marathon

Rachel Apa, a 24-year-old runner, passed away on Sunday night after collapsing during the New York City Marathon, according to her family. Her father, Stephen Apa, had been texting her throughout the race and noted she appeared well earlier on. Rachel, a former Division I field hockey player at Bucknell University, continued texting her father during the race before collapsing about two miles from the finish line in Central Park.

Her father last heard from her shortly after the 18-mile mark, when she texted "UGG" and then "ow, ow." Michaela Nicholas, 28, witnessed Rachel collapse and immediately called for help, while a runner rushed to call 911. Doctors began CPR at the scene before transporting Rachel to Mount Sinai Hospital, where she was eventually pronounced dead.

Rachel's family believes she may have suffered from rhabdomyolysis, a rare muscle condition that can be triggered by intense physical activity like marathon running. New York Road Runners, the organizers of the marathon, expressed deep sorrow over Rachel's passing and offered their sympathies to her family and the running community.