Rachel Apa was running in memory of her grandfather, who had battled Parkinson’s disease.
\n\nA 24-year-old woman died after collapsing just two miles from the finish line of the New York City Marathon, turning what was meant to be a personal milestone into a devastating tragedy for her family. Rachel Apa was taking part in her first-ever marathon on Sunday as a member of the Parkinson’s Champions team. She had dedicated the 26.2-mile race to her late grandfather, who battled Parkinson’s disease before passing away in 2022.
\n\nHer father, Steve Apa, later revealed that the cause of her death was rhabdomyolysis, a serious medical condition in which damaged muscle tissue breaks down and releases its contents into the bloodstream.
\n\nA former field hockey player at Pennsylvania’s Bucknell University, Apa had spent months preparing for the marathon. Her participation carried deep personal significance, as she wanted to honour her grandfather, whom she considered one of the biggest inspirations in her life.
\n\nIn a fundraising message, she recalled how he had encouraged her to remain active, embrace challenges and push beyond her limits. Her father told The New York Times that Rachel had been in excellent health and physical condition before the…
Original source: https://www.timesnownews.com/world
