WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW
  • Rachel Apa, 24, died from complications of rhabdomyolysis after collapsing at mile 24 of the New York City Marathon.
  • Apa played Division I field hockey at Bucknell University and was pursuing an MBA at Charleston Southern University.
  • She ran in memory of her grandfather and raised more than $55,000 and counting to support the fight against Parkinson’s disease.
  • Her universities, former teams and the Parkinson’s Foundation remembered her faith, determination, generosity and commitment to others.

Rachel Apa, 24, is being remembered for her faith, athletic strength and devotion to helping others after she died while running the New York City Marathon on Sunday, Nov. 1. She succumbed to complications from rhabdomyolysis, a rare muscle condition.

Apa reached mile 24, only 2.2 miles from the finish line, before collapsing. She received immediate medical attention and was transported to Mount Sinai Medical Center, where physicians worked for more than six hours to save her.

The athlete was declared dead at around 9:40 p.m., according to a report from The New York Times. Her death prompted tributes from the schools, teams and charitable organization that knew her.

Rhabdomyolysis occurs when muscles break down after excessive exertion, according to Cleveland Clinic. Toxic components from the disintegrating muscle fibers can then enter the circulatory system and kidneys, potentially causing kidney damage and acting as poison within the body.

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Apa graduated from Bucknell University, where she played Division I field hockey. After graduation, she worked as a product manager for an electrical component company while pursuing her MBA at Charleston Southern University.

Apa began her graduate education at CSU in August. In a tribute released Tuesday, the Christian university said its community “mourns the tragic loss” and recalled an assignment in which Apa described her mission to use her talents and opportunities to help others.

Maxwell Rollins, assistant dean of graduate programs for the Nielsen College of Business, said, “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 called Apa a vibrant young woman and said the university was surrounding her family and loved ones with prayers and support. He also reflected on the painful loss of someone remembered for remarkable strength and character.

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Apa’s final marathon carried a deeply personal charitable mission. She was running to raise money in the fight against Parkinson’s disease, honoring her late grandfather, who died in 2022 after living with the disease.

Bucknell also extended its sympathy to Apa’s family and friends. Kristine Brown, vice president of strategic communications and marketing, said Apa spent four years as a key contributor to the Bison field hockey team, scoring 17 collegiate goals and receiving Academic All Patriot League honors.

Apa graduated from Bucknell in 2024 with a bachelor’s degree in markets, innovation and design. Her former field hockey teams shared tributes on social media, celebrating both her competitive determination and the joy she brought to the sport.

Central Penn Field Hockey Club, where Apa played for nearly a decade before Bucknell, said her family and the club were heartbroken. “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.”

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The club said Apa’s spirit would endure and her impact on its people and program would not be forgotten. Bucknell Field Hockey also sent love, strength and support to the Apa family while saying the entire team was holding them close.

On the Parkinson’s Champions fundraising website, Apa described her grandfather as her childhood role model. She said he taught her to remain active, test her limits and embrace challenges, lessons that shaped her love of sports and movement and continued driving her forward after his death.

“I’m proud to run with Parkinson’s Foundation Champions to raise funds and awareness for research, better care and a cure,” Apa wrote. Her campaign raised more than $55,000 and counting for the cause.

The Parkinson’s Foundation said it was saddened by Apa’s death and grateful that she joined its Parkinson’s Champions team. The organization said her marathon challenge was deeply personal and inspired by watching the disease gradually take away the freedom of movement her grandfather once treasured.

“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.”