A 24-year-old runner sent a worrying message to her father before she collapsed as she approached the end of the New York City marathon.
Rachel Apa is reported to have encountered serious difficulties while running through Central Park, 24 miles into Sunday’s marathon and just two miles from completing the race.
A hospital worker who was watching the marathon unfold leapt into action to provide aid, including administering CPR. Rachel was then attended by medical staff equipped with a defibrillator.
Steve Apa, the 24-year-old’s father, told The New York Times that she passed away at 9:40pm that same evening after being rushed to hospital. He added that his daughter had died of rhabdomyolysis, described by the Cleveland Clinic as a rare and life-threatening condition where an individual’s muscles break down. It can occur following excessive exercise without rest or after injury.
Rachel, a Pennsylvania native, had been running to raise money for Parkinson’s Foundation’s Champions in honor of her grandfather, reported to have died four years ago.
In a fundraiser prior to Sunday’s marathon, she described him as her “role model growing up”.
Rachel, said to have been in perfect health prior to the race, sent text messages to her parents as she ran.
Her mother, Michelle Apa, had recorded Rachel passing as she marked 14 miles, while she and Steve had been tracking their daughter on an app.
According to the New York Times, Rachel text her father one word at mile 18: “Ow”. Then, at mile 19, she sent another, reading: “Ow, Ow.”
At mile 23, Steve messaged his daughter words of encouragement, telling her she was approaching the “Final stretch”.
Rachel never replied to that text, and when Michelle realized that she was no longer making progress on the app, she ran over to the park, where her daughter had already collapsed.
“We are deeply saddened by the death of one of our runners following yesterday’s race,” the New York Road Runners, who organize the race, said in a statement.
“Our thoughts and sincere sympathies are with the runner’s family, friends, and the entire running community.”
Rest in peace, Rachel Apa.
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