Former college athlete dies after collapsing during NYC Marathon
A 24-year-old woman collapsed near the finish line of the New York City Marathon and was pronounced dead at hospital.
At a glance
- Apa collapsed in Central Park around two miles from the finish line
- Spectators and doctors performed CPR before marathon medical staff arrived with a defibrillator
- She was pronounced dead after six hours at Mount Sinai Medical Center
- Her father said doctors attributed her death to rhabdomyolysis
Rachel Apa, a former college field hockey player, collapsed in Central Park during the New York City Marathon on Sunday, approximately two miles from the finish line. Bystanders and race medical staff attempted to revive her, and she was transported to Mount Sinai Medical Center, where she was pronounced dead at 9.40pm.
According to her father, Steve Apa, doctors attributed her death to rhabdomyolysis, a condition in which muscle tissue breaks down rapidly and releases harmful substances into the bloodstream. Text messages Apa sent during the race indicated she was experiencing physical distress in the later stages of the marathon.
Why it matters
The incident highlights potential health risks during endurance athletic events, even among young people in apparent good health.
Original reporting
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