Rachel Apa, a 24-year-old athlete and former Division I field hockey player at Bucknell University, tragically died while competing in her first Marathon, the New York City Marathon. Despite months of training for the event, Ms. Apa collapsed near Mile 24 in Central Park, close to 85th Street.
Her mother, Michelle Apa, had been waiting for her daughter at Mile 25 after capturing a video of Rachel smiling and high-fiving spectators at Mile 14 in Queens. Meanwhile, Rachel's father, Steve Apa, tracked her progress from their home in Lewisberry, Pennsylvania, sending encouraging texts at every mile. At Mile 18, Rachel replied with "Ow," followed by "Ow ow" at Mile 19. Although she did not respond to messages sent at Miles 20, 21, and 22, she continued running until her father's final message at Mile 23 went unanswered.
Spectator Michaela Nicholas witnessed Ms. Apa running past near the end of the race, wearing a light green top and shorts with bib number 29977 bearing her name. Following the incident, Steve Apa stated that the cause of his daughter's death was rhabdomyolysis, a rare muscle condition that can be brought on by exertion.
Sources: The New York Times Health.