Rachel Apa, a 24-year-old runner in the New York City Marathon, died from a rare muscle condition called rhabdomyolysis after collapsing near the finish line. The condition causes muscles to disintegrate, releasing damaging proteins into the bloodstream that can poison the body. Apa was reportedly in "perfect health" prior to the race.
She collapsed at Mile 24 in Central Park around 1:30 p.m. on Sunday. Her father, Steve Apa, who was tracking her progress remotely, saw her stop moving on the marathon app. He was later informed by the New York Times that her cause of death was rhabdomyolysis. He described the situation as "unfathomable" given her age and health status.