What happened to Rachel Apa? NYC marathon runner’s father reveals final conversation with daughter before her untimely death

Pennsylvania-based marathon runner Rachel Apa's father, Steve Apa, opens up about his 24-year-old daughter, who collapsed and passed away during a marathon in New York City on November 1, 2026. According to Us Weekly, Rachel participated in the NYC marathon to raise funds for Parkinson's patients and also to honor her grandfather, who suffered from the same disease and died from it.

According to Us Weekly, Rachel Apa's father, Steve, who was in Pennsylvania's Lewisberry, was keeping track of his daughter's progress from the marathon's app and was also communicating with her through text messages. Rachel's mother, Michelle Apa, was in NYC to support and cheer for Rachel.

As cited by Us Weekly, Steve shared the final conversation he had with Rachel as he constantly pushed and encouraged her through messages to boost her confidence so that she could finish the marathon. Steve revealed that at mile 18, Rachel texted him, saying:

"Ow."

Then again, at mile 19, she texted him:

"Ow Ow."

When Rachel was at mile 23, Steve texted her:

"Final stretch."

However, after that, there was no response from Rachel Apa. She collapsed close to mile 24, which was in Central Park. The moment Rachel's movement on the marathon app became stagnant, her mother, Michelle, ran towards mile 24 and found out that she was being taken to Mount Sinai Medical Center in an ambulance. The doctors put in a lot of effort and tried their best to save Rachel, but eventually couldn't.

As cited by Us Weekly, Rachel Apa died due to rhabdomyolysis. Steve, during a conversation with The Times, said:

"It's unfathomable. Perfect health, perfect shape, 24 years old."

Following her unfortunate death, Bucknell Athletics paid tribute to Rachel Apa

According to Us Weekly, Bucknell Athletics, where the late Rachel Apa played field hockey, shared a statement on November 3, 2026, which read:

"Our hearts are broken for the Apa family, and we are deeply sorry for the unimaginable loss of their beautiful daughter, Rachel. The Apas are in the thoughts and prayers of the entire Bucknell Field Hockey family during this incredibly difficult time."

The statement added:

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"Rachel’s spirit will be everlasting; her impact on the people and program will never be forgotten. We hope the Apa family can find some comfort in knowing she helped create something truly special here and will always hold a place in our hearts. We are sending you all our love, strength, and support. Our entire Bucknell Field Hockey family is holding you close in our hearts."

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