Rachel Apa, a 24-year-old runner in the New York City Marathon, tragically died Sunday night after collapsing in Central Park. She was just about two miles from crossing the finish line, according to her heartbroken family.
A Father’s Pings and a Daughter’s Final Words
Her dad, Stephen Apa, was texting with Rachel all through the race. She sounded good, even great, after putting in nine miles. He told her not to push it, knowing it was her first marathon. Rachel, originally from Lewiston, Pennsylvania, was a former Division I field hockey player at Bucknell University, so she knew how to push herself. But the texts kept coming, a dad checking in, Rachel responding, until mile 24. Then, silence. Stephen just wanted to give her “pings” so she knew he was still there, still watching. Their last real exchange before the silence? Rachel texted “UGG” right before mile 18, then shortly after, just “ow, ow.” Stephen responded, “go easy,” a desperate plea he would repeat. That was the last time he ever heard from his oldest child, his only daughter.
Eyewitnesses and a Desperate Fight for Life
The horrifying moment Rachel collapsed was witnessed by Michaela Nicholas, 28, and her fiancé. They were cheering on runners when they saw Rachel go down, just about five yards past them. Nicholas’s fiancé immediately screamed for help, shouting for a doctor in the crowd. Nicholas herself rushed to Rachel’s side. A fellow runner called 911 while doctors who happened to be watching the race raced over, starting CPR after finding no pulse. Nicholas stayed right there, holding Rachel’s hand, telling her she was loved, telling her she wasn’t alone. Rachel’s mother, who had been waiting for her daughter at mile 25, arrived at the scene as an ambulance was already taking Rachel to Mount Sinai Hospital.
A Legacy and a Haunting Question
Rachel wasn’t just running for herself. She was a product manager, pursuing her master’s degree in business, and she was running to honor her grandfather, who had passed from Parkinson’s disease. Her family said doctors suggested a rare muscle condition, triggered by extreme exertion, might have caused the collapse. Jennifer Miao of the ABC News Medical Unit confirmed that rhabdomyolysis, a condition that can hit marathon runners and others in intense physical activity, could affect someone as young as their 20s. Amidst the unspeakable grief, Stephen Apa’s message was brief, but it said everything: “That I love her. That’s it.” The New York Road Runners, the group behind the marathon, released a statement, saying they are “deeply saddened by Rachel’s passing” and extended their thoughts to her family, friends, and the entire running community.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Yahoo Sports.
Leave a Reply