🕊️ She was just two miles away from completing her first New York City Marathon. Her mother was waiting near the finish line, and her father was following every mile from home. But when 24-year-old Rachel Apa suddenly stopped responding to his messages, what began as a proud family celebration turned into an unimaginable heartbreak.

NEW YORK — Rachel Apa, a former Division I field hockey player from Lewisberry, Pennsylvania, pᴀssed away on November 1, 2026, after collapsing near mile 24 of the New York City Marathon.

Her father, Steve Apa, shared the family’s devastating experience with ABC7 Eyewitness News, revealing the final text messages he exchanged with his daughter before she collapsed in Central Park.

💔 The Final Text Messages That Now Haunt Her Father

Rachel had spent months preparing for her first marathon.

During the race, Steve monitored her progress through a tracking application, sending encouragement as she completed each mile.

At approximately mile nine, Rachel told him she felt incredible.

“I’ve never felt this good,” she wrote.

Steve reminded his daughter to take things slowly and enjoy the experience rather than pushing herself too hard.

But several miles later, her messages began to change.

Around mile 18, Rachel texted a short expression of discomfort.

“Ow.”

A little later, she sent another message.

“Ow, ow.”

Her father encouraged her to slow down and concentrate on finishing safely.

At mile 23, he sent another message reminding her that completing the race mattered more than her speed.

But Rachel did not respond.

Soon afterward, Steve noticed that her location had stopped moving.

😢 Her Mother Was Waiting Just Ahead

Rachel’s mother, Michelle Apa, had been cheering along the course.

Earlier that afternoon, she captured a video of Rachel smiling as she pᴀssed mile 14.

Michelle then headed toward Central Park, expecting to celebrate her daughter’s achievement.

Instead, she learned that Rachel had experienced a medical emergency near mile 24.

Emergency responders provided lifesaving ᴀssistance before transporting her to Mount Sinai Hospital.

Despite medical efforts, Rachel pᴀssed away later that evening.

She was only 24 years old.

🔎 What Caused Rachel’s Sudden Collapse?

Steve told reporters that doctors identified rhabdomyolysis as the cause.

The condition involves serious muscle breakdown that can release substances into the bloodstream and potentially damage vital organs.

Although it can occur after intense physical exertion, severe cases are uncommon.

Her father emphasized that Rachel had been healthy, athletic, and well-prepared for the race.

The specific factors that triggered her condition have not been publicly established.

❤️ She Was Running for Someone She Loved

Rachel’s marathon journey carried a special purpose.

She participated as part of the Parkinson’s Champions team, raising money in honor of her grandfather, who pᴀssed away after living with Parkinson’s disease.

A former Bucknell University athlete, Rachel was also pursuing further education and building a promising future.

For her family, the race represented her determination, generosity, and commitment to helping others.

They never imagined it would become their final memory of her.

🕊️ A Father’s Last Messages, a Daughter’s Unfinished Journey

Steve Apa was hundreds of miles away when his daughter stopped responding.

He had spent the morning encouraging her, celebrating her progress, and reminding her to be careful.

His final messages were those of an ordinary father who simply wanted his daughter to finish safely.

Rachel was almost at the finish line. Her mother was waiting to embrace her. Her father was watching every mile.

But the celebration they had imagined never came.

Today, Rachel is remembered not for the miles she could not complete, but for the determination, kindness, and love that inspired her to run.

She never crossed the finish line, but the life she lived and the people she inspired will never be forgotten. 💔

Sources:

ABC7 Eyewitness News — November 3, 2026

Father of Rachel Apa shares final text exchange after NYC Marathon tragedy