Pete Frates Dead - Ice Bucket Challenge Creator Dies at 34

Pete Frates, who began the viral Ice Bucket Challenge craze back in 2014, has sadly passed away from amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (also known as ALS).

The 34-year-old former college baseball star and activist passed away from the disease. He was first diagnosed at the age of 27.

“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,” the family said in a statement. “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 had people dumping a bucket of ice on their head, challenging others to do the same, and donating to help find a cure for ALS. There is currently no cure, but the Ice Bucket Challenge helped raise millions. You can watch some celebrity ice bucket challenges here.

Our thoughts are with Pete‘s friends, family, and loved ones during this time.