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NYC Marathon runner, 24, sent devastating final text during race before dying after collapsing just two miles from finish line
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A young New York City marathon runner has sadly died after she collapsed two miles from the finish line.
At just 24 years of age, the Pennsylvania native was taking part in her first-ever marathon on Sunday (November 1).
She passed away from rhabdomyolysis, a muscle breakdown condition, according to her family.
They said that the former college athlete was in 'perfect health' before complaining of pain while she was running in the marathon.
After reaching the 18-mile point in the marathon, with just over eight miles to go, she messaged her dad, Steve Apa: "Ow."
The New York Times further reported that she completed another mile before messaging, 'Ow, ow'.
Rachel's dad was tracking her progress through the marathon's app from his home in Pennsylvania, replying with a message of encouragement to keep her going, reading 'Final stretch', when she was 23 miles into the marathon.
Sadly, she would never reply to that message.
Rachel Apa collapsed two miles from the finish
The budding marathon runner collapsed at the 24-mile point in Central Park and would tragically be pronounced dead late on Sunday.
Steve told the outlet that she died from rhabdomyolysis, which is a medical condition where the muscles break down rapidly.
According to the Cleveland Clinic, proteins such as myoglobin are released, which can overwhelm the kidneys and lead to organ failure.
Her father described the situation as 'unfathomable'.
The late Rachel was a former Division 1 student-athlete at Bucknell University in Pennsylvania, and announced on LinkedIn back in September that she would be running in this year's New York City marathon.
She added that she would be a charity runner for the Parkinson’s Foundation in honor of her late grandfather, as he died after a battle with the medical condition in 2022.
Speaking on her fundraising page at the time, she explained: “My grandfather was my role model growing up,
“He taught me to stay active, push my limits and embrace challenges, shaping my love for sports and movement," Rachel wrote, as donations exceeded the intended target of $4,000.
Following her passing, New York Road Runners, who organize the marathon, said that they were 'deeply saddened' after learning of her death.
Speaking in a statement to the publication, they penned: “Our thoughts and sincere sympathies are with the runner’s family, friends, and the entire running community.”
What is Rhabdomyolysis?
According to the Cleveland Clinic, this medical condition causes muscles to break down, or disintegrate, leading to muscle death.
This can lead to toxic components of muscle fibers entering your circulatory system and kidneys, causing damage to the latter.
Common signs include weak muscles, muscle pain, and a change in your urine color.
High-intensity exercise is also listed as a potential cause of rhabdomyolysis, as the health website explains that starting an exercise program too quickly can lead to the condition if the muscles aren't given enough time to heal and recover from an intense workout.
Severe dehydration and overheating are also listed, as heat can cause muscles to break down quickly, with your kidneys unable to dispose of your body's waste without sufficient fluids.