PA woman dies near NYC marathon finish

Rachel Apa, a 24-year-old from Pennsylvania, died on Sunday after collapsing near the final stretch of the New York City Marathon. The incident occurred around mile 24 of the 26.2-mile course, leaving her approximately two miles from the finish line.

NYPD officials confirmed that Apa experienced a medical episode in the Central Park area, where runners complete the last section of the race. Paramedics transported her to Mt. Sinai Hospital at approximately 2 p.m. She was pronounced dead several hours after arrival. Her father stated that she died of rhabdomyolysis, a condition characterized by muscle breakdown.

The New York Times identified Apa as a first-time marathoner. She was running to raise funds for Parkinson’s disease in memory of her late grandfather. A fundraising page noted that her grandfather was her role model and taught her to embrace physical challenges. "He taught me to stay active, push my limits, and embrace challenges," the page read.

New York Road Runners, the organizer of the event, confirmed Apa's death in a statement released early Tuesday. The organization expressed its sadness to her family, friends, and the running community.

Sources indicated that a bystander reached Apa first and administered CPR until medical officials took over care. The race spans five boroughs, but this year's death occurred in Manhattan’s Central Park, a familiar setting for many participants.