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NYC marathoner with ‘heart for Jesus’ remembered after tragic death for her faith, strength and charity
Rachel Apa, a 24-year-old marathon runner and former Division I field hockey player, died after collapsing during the New York City Marathon. She had reached mile 24, about 2.2 miles from the finish, and her death has prompted tributes highlighting her faith, generosity and commitment to helping others.
Apa was taken to Mount Sinai Medical Center, where doctors treated her for more than six hours; she was declared dead at about 9.40pm. The reported cause was complications from rhabdomyolysis, a condition in which over-exertion damages muscle tissue and can harm the kidneys. A Charleston Southern University tribute said she hoped to use her talents to make a difference and had run to raise money for Parkinson’s disease; Bucknell said she scored 17 goals in her college field hockey career and graduated in 2024.
In short
- Rachel Apa died after collapsing near the end of the New York City Marathon.
- She was treated for more than six hours after reaching mile 24.
- Tributes remembered her faith, sporting achievements and charity work.
Explained simply
The New York City Marathon is a 26.2-mile race through the city, with runners taking part for personal goals and to raise money for causes. Rachel Apa, 24, was a former Division I field hockey player at Bucknell University, where she scored 17 goals before graduating in 2024.
Apa collapsed near the end of the race and later died in hospital. Reports said the cause was complications from rhabdomyolysis, in which damaged muscle tissue can harm the kidneys. Tributes from her university communities recalled her Christian faith, generosity and fundraising for Parkinson’s disease.