Rachel Apa, 24, died on Sunday, Nov. 1, while running the New York City Marathon after succumbing to complications from rhabdomyolysis, a rare muscle condition.
Apa made it to mile 24 – just 2.2 miles from the finish line – before collapsing. She received immediate medical attention and was taken to Mount Sinai Medical Center, where physicians worked to save her for more than six hours.
The athlete was declared dead at around 9:40 p.m., according to a report from The New York Times.
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Rhabdomyolysis causes the muscles to break down when over-exerted, which leads to muscle death, according to Cleveland Clinic.
When this disintegration occurs, toxic components of the muscle fibers can enter the circulatory system and kidneys, which can cause kidney damage, essentially acting as poison to the body.
Apa graduated from Bucknell University, where she played Division I field hockey. Post-grad, she was a product manager for an electrical component company while also working on her MBA at Charleston Southern University (CSU).
In a tribute released Tuesday, the Christian university, where Apa began her graduate school education in August, said the CSU family “mourns the tragic loss.”
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“Maxwell Rollins, assistant dean of graduate programs for the Nielsen College of Business, shared a recent class assignment where Apa stated her current mission was to take advantage of the talents and opportunities she had been blessed with to make an impact in any way she could in the lives of those around her,” the statement reads.
Rollins shared about Apa, “She wrote that her desire was to demonstrate Christ’s love and character in both business and everyday life. Though she had just started her MBA at CSU, her passion for others and heart for Jesus will continue to serve as an inspiration for all our students.”
CSU president B. Keith Faulkner added, “The loss of a vibrant young woman in the prime of her life is a sorrow no parent can imagine enduring. The Charleston Southern family is surrounding the Apa family, along with all who knew and loved Rachel, with our prayers and support.”
“We will never fully understand why this happened to a young woman of such remarkable strength and character. Her final hours are forever marked by Rachel’s selfless dedication to helping others as she ran to raise funds in the fight against Parkinson’s disease.”
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Faulkner continued, “We know that true peace comes only from the Lord, and we pray that His presence and comfort will be deeply felt by all who are grieving and by all whose lives were touched by Rachel’s extraordinary life and legacy.”
Apa’s former field hockey teams also mourned her loss in tributes posted to social media.
Central Penn Field Hockey Club, where Apa was a member for nearly a decade before playing for Bucknell, posted that the family is “heartbroken by the loss.”
“On the field, she played with intensity and determination,” the club wrote. “She was competitive, serious about the game and gave 100% every single time, always with a smile and an unwavering commitment to her teammates.”
“Watching her play was a beautiful thing. You could see the joy she carried every time she stepped on the pitch.”
The statement continued, “Our hearts are with the Apa family, her CPFH and Bucknell teammates and their families, and everyone lucky enough to have shared the field with her.”
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Bucknell Field Hockey also posted on Instagram, featuring several photos and videos of Apa on the field alongside her teammates.
“Our hearts are broken for the Apa family, and we are deeply sorry for the unimaginable loss of their beautiful daughter, Rachel,” the organization wrote in the caption.
“The Apas are in the thoughts and prayers of the entire Bucknell Field Hockey family during this incredibly difficult time.”
“Rachel’s spirit will be everlasting; her impact on the people and program will never be forgotten,” the post continued. “We hope the Apa family can find some comfort in knowing she helped create something truly special here and will always hold a place in our hearts.”
It went on, “We are sending you all our love, strength and support. Our entire Bucknell Field Hockey family is holding you close in our hearts.”
Apa set out to run the marathon to raise money to fight Parkinson’s disease, in honor of her late grandfather.
On the Parkinson’s Champions fundraising website, Apa wrote what her grandfather meant to her.
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“My grandfather was my role model growing up,” she said. “He taught me to stay active, push my limits and embrace challenges, shaping my love for sports and movement.
“Later in life, he was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease, and I watched as the disease slowly took away the freedom to move that he once loved so much. He passed away in 2022, but the lessons he taught me continue to drive me forward.”
She added, “I’m proud to run with Parkinson’s Foundation Champions to raise funds and awareness for research, better care and a cure.”
Rachel Apa raised more than $55,000 and counting for the cause.
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The Parkinson’s Foundation also released a statement in her memory, expressing that the organization is “saddened by the tragic passing” of Apa, who ran as a member of the Parkinson’s Champions team.
“Rachel’s decision to take on this challenge was deeply personal,” the statement reads. “After watching Parkinson’s disease gradually take away the freedom of movement her grandfather once cherished, Rachel was inspired to honor his memory by running and supporting the Parkinson’s community.”
“We admire Rachel’s determination and are grateful that she was part of our team. Our thoughts and deepest condolences are with Rachel’s family, loved ones and fellow members of the Parkinson’s Champions team.”