A New York City Marathon runner who collapsed approximately two miles before the finish line exchanged a series of distressing text messages with her father during Sunday’s race.
Rachel Apa, 24, was reportedly struck by rhabdomyolysis, a condition involving the rapid breakdown of muscle tissue. Friends and family said she had been in “perfect health” before taking part in her first marathon, but she appeared to begin experiencing pain during the event.
When Apa reached the 18-mile mark—around two-thirds of the 26.2-mile course—she texted her father, Steve Apa, a brief but alarming message: “Ow,” according to The New York Times.
After pushing through another mile, she sent a second message: “Ow, Ow.”
Steve Apa was following his daughter’s progress through the marathon’s tracking app from their home in Pennsylvania. As she reached the 23-mile point, he attempted to reassure her with a message that read, “Final stretch.”
She did not respond. Shortly afterward, Apa collapsed in Central Park near the 24-mile mark, just two miles from completing the New York City Marathon.
She was pronounced dead late Sunday. Her father told the outlet that doctors attributed her death to rhabdomyolysis, a serious medical emergency in which damaged muscles rapidly break down.
The process can release proteins, including myoglobin, into the bloodstream. According to the Cleveland Clinic, the buildup may severely damage the kidneys and potentially result in organ failure.