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Health Expert Discusses Rhabdomyolysis, Warning Signs After Former Bucknell Field Hockey Player Dies During NYC Marathon
Rachel Apa’s father said rhabdomyolysis caused her death, while doctors say the rare condition can follow intense exercise, dehydration or overheating.
- On Sunday, 24-year-old Rachel Apa collapsed near Mile 24 of the 2026 NYC Marathon and later died at a hospital. Her father, Steve Apa, said rhabdomyolysis caused her death, though the New York City Office of Chief Medical Examiner has not issued a final determination.
- Rhabdomyolysis, or 'rhabdo,' is a rare, life-threatening condition where muscle tissue breaks down, releasing substances like myoglobin into the bloodstream that can damage kidneys. Cleveland Clinic reports that up to 50% of cases involve acute kidney injury.
- Symptoms typically appear one to three days after muscle injury and include severe muscle pain, weakness, and dark urine. Vanderbilt University research suggests the condition results in around 1,500 annual deaths in the United States.
- Experts advise athletes to build exercise intensity gradually and stay hydrated to lower risk. Dr. Bryant Walrod of The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center emphasized that listening to your body is essential when determining run length and intensity.
- About 26,000 people in the United States develop rhabdo annually, affecting everyone from professional athletes to 'weekend workout warriors.' The condition has been previously reported in college football players and individuals performing strenuous exercises like pull-ups.
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According to Rachel Apa's father, she died of this syndrome a few hours after falling during the marathon. The medical examiner's office has not yet confirmed and continues its investigations.
·Paris, France
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The 24-year-old girl, Rachel Apa, died in the middle of a New York marathon. She had rhabdomyolysis.
·Rennes, France
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Total News Sources35
Leaning Left5Leaning Right3Center6Last UpdatedBias Distribution43% Center
Bias Distribution
- 43% of the sources are Center
43% Center
L 36%
C 43%
R 21%
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