24-year-old Rachel Apa died after participating in the New York Marathon last Sunday. The father revealed that rhabdomyolysis was the cause of death. What is this rare condition?
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05/11/2026
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New York Road Runners, the event organizer, confirmed the death of the young athlete in a statement. “We are deeply saddened by Rachel's death after her participation in the Sunday race. Our thoughts and sincere condolences are with family, friends and the entire community of runners“ they revealed here quoted by CBS.
Rhabdomyolysis. What is it and what are the symptoms?
The organization didn't confirm cause of death. The possible diagnosis was given by the father in an interview with the New York Times. According to Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, rhabdomyolysis is a serious condition that may end up being fatal.
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They explain that it develops when damaged muscle tissues release electrolytes and proteins into the bloodstream, which nausea, vomiting, damage to various organs, seizures or cardiac arrhythmias.
The kidneys turn out to be one of the most affected organs. Your ability to filter the blood is compromised, which may eventually lead to severe injuries. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention tells us that it is something that can happen to anyone, even those in perfect physical condition.
People who are more exposed to heat turn out to be the most at risk. Those who take medicines such as amphetamines, statins, people with genetic muscle disorders, infections, low levels of phosphate and potassium in the blood may also be more vulnerable to this condition.
Among some of the most common symptoms are cramps and exhaustion due to heat. On the other hand, also severe pain, joint pain, dark urine, fatigue and weakness. The search for medical care should be immediate.
Is it possible to treat rhabdomyolysis?
Regarding treatment, everything depends on the severity and organs that were affected. Some intervention may be made for renal insufficiency or low blood pressure, for example.
“ When you run, your muscles generate a lot of heat. The main function of the body is to dissipate it. In warm and moist conditions, sweat does not evaporate and does not cool the body. Heat also causes faster muscle degradation. Dehydration can aggravate the problem,” doctor Jonathan Kim told CNN.
The expert talked about a study published in April that reported an increase in rhabdomyolysis cases in this same marathon in 2022. In this year 24 athletes were helped. He explained that one of the most common causes of death in this type of evidence is cardiac arrest or heart attack.