NORTH CHARLESTON — Charleston Southern University is mourning the loss of one of its own.
Rachel Apa, 24, a first-year graduate student at the college pursuing her master of business administration, died Nov. 1 while running the New York City marathon. It was her first race.
The Pennsylvania-native collapsed near the finish line and later died at a hospital from rhabdomyolysis, her father Steve Apa stated. The serious condition occurs when muscle tissue breaks down, sometimes triggered by extreme physical exertion, dehydration or injury, releasing substances into the bloodstream that can damage the kidneys.
Rachel Apa was a graduate of Bucknell University and worked as a product manager for a manufacturing company.
Courtesy of Steve Apa/USA TODAY Network
Apa was running the race to raise money for Parkinson’s disease research in honor of her grandfather, who died from it in 2022.
CSU President B. Keith Faulkner expressed sorrow over Apa’s death and offered prayers and support to her family and loved ones in a Nov. 3 statement.
“We will never fully understand why this happened to a young woman of such remarkable strength and character,” Faulkner said. “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.”
Prior to enrolling at CSU, Apa completed her undergraduate studies at Bucknell University in Pennsylvania, graduating in 2024. There, she was a member of the school’s Division I field hockey team all four years.
Her alma mater also released a statement remembering Apa, saying their “hearts are broken” for her family and the “unimaginable loss.”
“Rachel’s spirit will be everlasting; her impact on the people and program will never be forgotten,” the school said in the statement. “We hope the Apa family can find some comfort in knowing she helped create something truly special here and will always hold a place in our hearts.”