Overview
- Rachel Apa, a 24‑year‑old first‑time marathoner, collapsed near Mile 24 of the New York City Marathon and was taken to Mount Sinai Medical Center where she was pronounced dead after several hours of treatment.
- Bystanders including a hospital social worker and two people who identified themselves as physicians performed CPR on the course, marathon medical staff used an automated external defibrillator, and EMS transported her to the hospital.
- Her family has said doctors identified rhabdomyolysis, a rare condition in which damaged muscle tissue releases toxins into the bloodstream and can cause kidney failure or heart problems, but a public medical‑examiner or autopsy report has not been cited.
- Apa was running her first marathon with the Parkinson’s Foundation Champions team to honor her grandfather, and she had been an accomplished college athlete and recent MBA student preparing for the race.
- The New York Road Runners expressed condolences and noted this was the first participant death tied to the event since 2024, and the case has focused attention on exertional risks, early bystander care, and on‑course medical response.