Public health
Rachel Apa, 24, dies of rhabdomyolysis during NYC Marathon
Apa’s family said she died from rhabdomyolysis after collapsing near mile 24 of her first New York City Marathon.
Rachel Apa, 24, died after collapsing near mile 24 of the New York City Marathon on Nov. 1, according to NBC News and Fox News. She was taken to Mount Sinai Hospital and died hours later. Her father told Fox News that rhabdomyolysis was the cause of death. NBC News reported that doctors told her family she had the condition. New York Road Runners said medical staff used a defibrillator after a bystander administered CPR.
Rhabdomyolysis, also called rhabdo, causes muscle breakdown and can follow intense exercise, according to Cleveland Clinic, cited by NBC News and Fox News. NBC News listed muscle swelling, weakness, soreness and dark urine among symptoms, and said the condition can be treated with intravenous fluids and electrolytes or dialysis when the kidneys are extremely damaged.
