New York Giants head coach John Harbaugh paused his media session on Wednesday to honor Rachel Apa, a 24-year-old runner who died after collapsing during the New York City Marathon.
"First of all, I just want to express our thoughts and prayers to the family of Rachel Apa, a 24-year-old young athlete who passed away in the New York City Marathon this past weekend," Harbaugh said on behalf of the Giants organization. "I cannot imagine the pain that they're going through and yet also the pride they feel for a life well lived. When you read about her life, it's just incredible to read the type of person she was, and she'll be really dearly missed."
Harbaugh added, "She's in God's hands now, and we just want to let the family know that the New York Giants are thinking about their daughter and their family."
Apa, a former Division I field hockey standout at Bucknell University and a graduate student at Charleston Southern, was running her first marathon to raise money for Parkinson's disease research in memory of her grandfather. She collapsed in Central Park, approximately two miles from the finish line.
Spectators and medical personnel attempted CPR, but Apa later died at Mount Sinai Hospital. Doctors reportedly cited rhabdomyolysis, a severe muscle breakdown, as a potential cause, though medical examiners are still finalizing the official determination. Teammates, coaches, and fellow runners have remembered Apa for her selflessness and dedication.
Both Bucknell and Charleston Southern have honored Apa. Her family has established The Rachel Apa Foundation to continue her mission of helping others and advocating for runner health and safety.