Rachel Apa, a 24-year-old runner from Pennsylvania, collapsed during her first New York City Marathon. She was taken to Mount Sinai Hospital, where she was declared dead after six hours of medical efforts. According to Marathon Handbook, she died of rhabdomyolysis, a condition caused by damaged muscle.

Apa, who played field hockey for Bucknell University, was running for the Parkinson’s Foundation. She had raised over $5,400 for the charity. Her father followed her progress on the race app and was told by her that she was in pain near the end of the race. Read more culture coverage.

The New York Road Runners organization expressed deep sadness over the incident. Marathon Handbook reports that the last runner death at the marathon was in 2024. Rhabdomyolysis can be caused by hard exercise, dehydration, and other factors, and can lead to acute kidney injury. Related: NYC Marathon Charity Fundraising Surpasses $100 Million.

This original Runner World brief is based on reporting from Marathon Handbook. Visit the source for its complete reporting, context and any later corrections.