Rachel Apa dies after collapsing at New York City Marathon

Rachel Apa, a 24-year-old runner, died after collapsing near the end of the New York City Marathon on November 1, about two miles from the finish. The race was her first marathon. Her father, Steve Apa, said doctors attributed her death to rhabdomyolysis, a condition involving the rapid breakdown of muscle tissue, but New York City’s medical examiner was still investigating and had not established an official cause in the latest reports. Apa collapsed in Central Park near the 24-mile mark. New York Road Runners, which organizes the race, said a bystander began CPR before race medical staff took over and used a defibrillator. She was transported to Mount Sinai Medical Center, where doctors tried to save her. Her father said the medical efforts continued for more than six hours; she died that evening. Steve Apa told reporters that his daughter had sent him messages during the race describing pain. He said she texted “Ow” and later “Ow, ow” as she approached the final miles, then stopped responding. He had been following her progress remotely, while her mother, Michelle, was waiting farther along the course. Rhabdomyolysis occurs when damaged muscle breaks down and releases...