The death of 24-year-old Rachel Apa during the New York City Marathon has left her family, former teammates and friends struggling to understand how a young woman known for her athletic ability and determination could lose her life just miles from the finish line.

In a new tribute, Isabella Pavlides, a longtime friend and former Bucknell University field hockey teammate, remembered Apa as fiercely competitive, passionate and confident — but also as someone whose kindness and encouragement made a lasting difference in her life.

Apa collapsed near Mile 24 of the 2026 New York City Marathon on Sunday, November 1. She was taken to Mount Sinai Hospital in critical condition and died later that evening.

Her family has said doctors attributed her death to rhabdomyolysis, a rare and potentially life-threatening condition involving severe muscle breakdown. However, the New York City medical examiner’s office is still investigating and has not publicly issued a final determination.

A FRIEND REMEMBERS HER AS A NATURAL COMPETITOR
Pavlides, who knew Apa through their years at Bucknell University, described her as someone who approached everything with determination.

The two women were more than teammates. Apa became a close friend and, in Pavlides’ words, almost like an older sister.

Their relationship continued beyond college. They eventually became roommates and remained close even after graduation.

Pavlides also credited Apa with helping inspire her to attend Bucknell. Her support during difficult moments was another part of their friendship that Pavlides remembered.

The tribute offered a picture of a young woman whose competitive spirit was matched by a willingness to encourage the people around her.

At Bucknell, Apa played four seasons of Division I field hockey. She scored 17 goals during her college career and earned Academic All-Patriot League honors.

She graduated in 2024 with a degree in markets, innovation and design.

HER FIRST MARATHON WAS MEANT TO HONOR HER GRANDFATHER
Apa had recently moved to South Carolina, where she was pursuing an MBA at Charleston Southern University while also working professionally.

The New York City Marathon was her first full marathon, but she had a personal reason for taking on the challenge.

She ran as part of the Parkinson’s Champions team to raise money in honor of her grandfather, who died in 2022 after living with Parkinson’s disease.

In an earlier fundraising message, Apa described her grandfather as one of her role models. She said he taught her to stay active, push her limits and embrace challenges.

Watching his condition gradually take away his ability to move had made the cause particularly meaningful to her.

Her fundraising effort reportedly brought in more than $21,000, well above her original $4,000 goal.

For Apa, the race was not simply about completing 26.2 miles. It was also a way to honor someone who had helped shape her outlook on life.

HER FINAL MESSAGES TO HER FATHER
In the hours before her collapse, Apa appeared excited about the race.

Her father, Steve Apa, followed her progress from the family’s home in Pennsylvania and exchanged text messages with her throughout the event.

Around Mile 9, Rachel told him she felt amazing and had never felt so good.

Her father encouraged her to take it carefully, reminding her that this was her first marathon and that finishing mattered more than speed.

As the race continued, however, her messages began to change.

Around Mile 18, she sent a message expressing discomfort. A little later, she wrote, “Ow, ow.”

Her father continued checking on her and encouraged her to slow down.

He was still tracking her progress when her location stopped moving near Mile 24. Rachel’s mother, Michelle, and friends were waiting farther along the course and also became concerned when she did not arrive.

Michelle went looking for her daughter. An emergency medical worker told her that Rachel had already been taken to the hospital.

The family later learned that Rachel had collapsed during the final stretch of the race.

WHAT HAPPENED NEAR MILE 24?
According to accounts from witnesses and race organizers, a bystander began CPR after Rachel collapsed. Medical personnel then continued emergency treatment and used a defibrillator.

She was transported to Mount Sinai Hospital in critical condition.

Despite extensive efforts to save her, she died that evening. Her father said doctors told the family that rhabdomyolysis was responsible.

Rhabdomyolysis, often called rhabdo, occurs when damaged muscle tissue releases substances into the bloodstream. These substances can overwhelm the kidneys and cause serious complications, including kidney injury and dangerous disturbances in the body’s chemical balance.

The condition can develop after intense physical exertion and can affect athletes, including people who are otherwise fit and accustomed to exercise.

Still, the exact medical circumstances surrounding Apa’s collapse have not been fully established publicly. The New York City Office of Chief Medical Examiner is investigating, and a final determination has not been announced.

UNIVERSITIES AND THE RUNNING COMMUNITY MOURN HER
Bucknell University remembered Apa as a valued member of its field hockey program, recognizing her contributions both on the field and in the classroom.

Charleston Southern University also paid tribute to her, acknowledging her dedication and the months of preparation she had put into the marathon.

Her death has prompted renewed attention to the risks of severe exercise-related medical conditions, particularly because Apa was a former college athlete who had spent months preparing for the race.

But for those who knew her personally, her story is about much more than the circumstances of her final moments.

Pavlides’ memories describe a determined competitor, a supportive friend and someone who helped others believe in themselves.

Rachel Apa set out to complete her first marathon while carrying her grandfather’s memory with her. She never reached the finish line, but the purpose behind her run — and the impact she had on the people around her — remains central to how friends and family are remembering her.