Ice Bucket Challenge Inspiration Pete Frates Dies

Pete Frates, best known for starting the Ice Bucket Challenge to raise money and awareness for ALS, has died at the age of 34.

Frates' family issued the following statement, which was shared by Boston College, where he was a captain of their baseball team: "Today Heaven received our angel: Peter Frates. A husband to Julie, a father to Lucy, a son to John and Nancy, a brother to Andrew and Jennifer, Pete passed away surrounded by his loving family, peacefully at age 34, after a heroic battle with ALS. Pete was an inspiration to so many people around the world who drew strength from his courage and resiliency."

"Remarkably, Pete never complained about his illness.  Instead, he saw it as an opportunity to give hope to other patients and their families.  In his lifetime, he was determined to change the trajectory of a disease that had no treatment or cure.  As a result, through his determination—along with his faithful supporters, Team Frate Train—he championed the ALS Ice Bucket Challenge. In August of 2014, the historic movement pioneered social media fundraising and garnered donations globally that resulted in better access to ALS care, genetic discoveries, treatments and, someday, a cure.  He was a beacon of hope for all."

The Ice Bucket Challenge went viral in 2014 and led to raising more than $220 million for ALS research. Frates was diagnosed with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis in 2012.

A number of organizations and individuals paid tribute to Frates as news of his passing spread.