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Rachel Apa, 24, died on Sunday (November 1) while running the New York City Marathon after succumbing to complications from rhabdomyolysis, a rare muscle disease.
Apa made it to mile 24 – just 2.2 miles from the finish line – before collapsing. She received immediate medical attention and was taken to Mount Sinai Medical Center, where doctors worked to save her for more than six hours.
The athlete was pronounced dead around 9:40 p.m., according to a New York Times report.
NYC MARATHON RUNNER, 24, DIED JUST 3 MILES FROM FINISH LINE AFTER SENDING CHILLING TEXTS TO DAD
Rhabdomyolysis causes muscles to break down when overexerted, leading to muscle death, according to the Cleveland Clinic.
When this disintegration occurs, toxic components of the muscle fibers can enter the circulatory system and kidneys, which can cause kidney damage, essentially acting as a poison to the body.
Rachel Apa played Division I field hockey for Bucknell University. (Bucknell Athletics)
Apa graduated from Bucknell University, where she played Division I field hockey. After graduate school, she was a product manager for an electrical components company while also working on her MBA at Charleston Southern University (CSU).
In a tribute released Tuesday, the Christian university, where Apa began his graduate studies in August, said the CSU family was “mourning this tragic loss.”
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“Maxwell Rollins, assistant dean of graduate programs in the Nielsen College of Business, shared a recent class assignment in which Apa stated that his current mission is to leverage the talents and opportunities he has been given to make an impact in every way possible in the lives of those around him,” the release read.
Rachel Apa, 24, died while running the New York City Marathon on November 1, 2026. (Instagram @rachelapa)
Rollins shared of Apa: “She wrote that her desire was to demonstrate the love and character of Christ in business and everyday life. Even though she had just started her MBA at CSU, her passion for others and her heart for Jesus will continue to serve as an inspiration to all of our students.”
CSU President B. Keith Faulkner added, “The loss of a vibrant young woman in the prime of her life is a heartbreak no parent can imagine enduring. The Charleston Southern family surrounds the Apa family, and all those who knew and loved Rachel, with our prayers and support.
Apa’s former field hockey teams mourned his loss in tributes posted on social media. (Bucknell Athletics)
“We will never truly understand why this happened to a young woman of such remarkable strength and character. Her final hours will forever be marked by Rachel’s selfless dedication to helping others as she ran to raise funds to fight Parkinson’s disease.”
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Faulkner continued, “We know that true peace comes only from the Lord, and we pray that His presence and comfort will be deeply felt by all who grieve and by all whose lives have been touched by Rachel’s extraordinary life and legacy.”
Apa’s former field hockey teams also mourned his loss in tributes posted on social media.
Rachel Apa and teammate Kari Melberger celebrate with a hug during a field hockey game. (Bucknell Athletics)
Kristine Brown, vice president of strategic communications and marketing at Bucknell, shared a statement with Fox News Digital on Wednesday.
“Bucknell University extends its deepest sympathy to the family and friends of Rachel Apa ’24 following her tragic death while competing in the New York City Marathon on Sunday,” Brown said in the release.
“Rachel was a four-year member and significant contributor to the Bison field hockey team, scoring 17 goals during her varsity career and earning Academic All-Patriot League honors. She graduated from Bucknell with a bachelor’s degree in Markets, Innovation and Design in 2024. The Bucknell community mourns her loss and extends its deepest condolences to all who knew and loved her.
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The Central Penn Field Hockey Club, of which Apa was a member for nearly a decade before playing for Bucknell, said the family was “heartbroken by this loss.”
“On the pitch, she played with intensity and determination,” the club wrote. “She was competitive, serious about the game and gave 100% every time, always with a smile and unwavering commitment to her teammates.”
“We will never truly understand why this happened to a young woman of such remarkable strength and character.”
“Watching her play was a beautiful thing. You could see the joy she felt every time she stepped onto the court.”
The statement continued: “Our thoughts are with the Apa family, her CPFH and Bucknell teammates and their families, and all those lucky enough to have shared the field with her.”
“Rachel’s spirit will live on forever; her impact on people and the program will never be forgotten,” the post continued. “We hope that the Apa family can find some comfort in knowing that they helped create something truly special here and that they will always hold a place in our hearts.”
He continued: “We send you all our love, strength and support. Our entire Bucknell Field Hockey family holds you close to us in our hearts.”
Running for Parkinson’s disease
Apa decided to run the marathon to raise money to fight Parkinson’s disease, in honor of his late grandfather.
On the fundraising website Parkinson’s Champions, Apa wrote about what her grandfather meant to her.
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“My grandfather was my role model growing up,” she said. “He taught me to stay active, push my limits and embrace challenges, which shaped my love for sport and movement.
“Later in life, he was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease, and I watched as the disease slowly took away the freedom to move that he loved so much. He passed away in 2022, but the lessons he taught me continue to drive me forward.
Runners compete in the 2026 TCS New York City Marathon in New York on November 1, 2026. (Xinhua News Agency via Getty Images)
She added: “I’m proud to run with the Parkinson’s Foundation Champions to raise money and awareness for research, better care and a cure. »
Rachel Apa raised more than $55,000 and counting for the cause.
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The Parkinson’s Foundation also released a statement in her memory, saying the organization is “saddened by the tragic passing” of Apa, who presented herself as a member of the Parkinson’s Champions team.
“Rachel’s decision to take on this challenge was deeply personal,” the statement read. “After watching Parkinson’s disease gradually rob her grandfather of his freedom of movement, Rachel wanted to honor his memory by running and supporting the Parkinson’s community.”
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“We admire Rachel’s determination and are grateful that she is a part of our team. Our thoughts and deepest condolences go out to Rachel’s family, loved ones and other members of the Parkinson’s Champions team.”
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