NORTH CHARLESTON, S.C. —
The 24-year-old woman who died after collapsing during the New York City Marathon was studying to get her Masters at Charleston Southern University.
Rachel Apa, 24, of Lewisberry, Pennsylvania, was approaching the 24-mile mark of the 26.2 mile race Sunday when she collapsed, according to the New York Police Department.
Her father told WGAL that she’d been stricken with rhabdomyolysis, a rare condition in which muscles can break down during exertion, poisoning the body. It was her first Marathon.
Charleston Southern University said Apa was an MBA student at the school and started in August.
The university posted the following message on social media:
“The Charleston Southern University family mourns the tragic loss of MBA student Rachel Apa, who collapsed at mile 24 during the New York City Marathon Sunday, November 1. Apa passed from rhabdomyolysis, a rare muscle condition that occurs after an injury, severe dehydration, or excessive high-intensity exercise without rest.
“First-time marathoner Apa trained for months for the event and was a former Bucknell University Division 1 field hockey player. She began her master’s degree at CSU in August.
“Maxwell Rollins, assistant dean of graduate programs for the Nielsen College of Business, shared a recent class assignment where Apa stated her current mission was to take advantage of the talents and opportunities she had been blessed with to make an impact in any way she could in the lives of those around her. ‘She wrote that her desire was to demonstrate Christ’s love and character in both business and everyday life,’ he added. ‘Though she had just started her MBA at CSU, her passion for others and heart for Jesus will continue to serve as an inspiration for all our students.’
“On the Parkinson’s Champions fundraising website, Apa shared that she was running the NYC Marathon in memory of her grandfather who suffered from Parkinson’s. ‘My grandfather was my role model growing up. He taught me to stay active, push my limits, and embrace challenges, shaping my love for sports and movement.’
“President B. Keith Faulkner said, ‘The loss of a vibrant young woman in the prime of her life is a sorrow no parent can imagine enduring. The Charleston Southern family is surrounding the Apa family, along with all who knew and loved Rachel, with our prayers and support. We will never fully understand why this happened to a young woman of such remarkable strength and character. Her final hours are forever marked by Rachel’s selfless dedication to helping others as she ran to raise funds in the fight against Parkinson’s disease. We know that true peace comes only from the Lord, and we pray that His presence and comfort will be deeply felt by all who are grieving and by all whose lives were touched by Rachel’s extraordinary life and legacy.’
“CSU’s counseling services (843.863.8010) and campus ministries teams are available for anyone seeking emotional and spiritual guidance. Plans for a memorial service have not yet been announced.”