Pete Frates, the man who inspired thousands to participate in the viral “Ice Bucket Challenge,” which raised over $220 million for ALS research, has died at age 34, his family said. In a statement released to Boston College, Frates was remembered for his “heroic battle with ALS.”
“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,” the family’s statement said. “Pete was an inspiration to so many people around the world who drew strength from his courage and resiliency.”
Frates, who attended Boston College and was named team captain of the Varsity baseball team in 2007, was diagnosed with ALS (Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis) in 2012, at age 27. He went on to marry his wife and welcome their daughter, Lucy, in the following years, as well as gain household recognition through the Ice Bucket Challenge. He received numerous awards and honors for his work and dedication to raising awareness for the disease, including a nomination for Time magazine’s “Person of the Year” award.
“A natural-born leader and the ultimate teammate, Pete was a role model for all, especially young athletes, who looked up to him for his bravery and unwavering positive spirit in the face of adversity. He was a noble fighter who inspired us all to use our talents and strengths in the service of others,” the statement continued.
“Remarkably, Pete never complained about his illness. Instead, he saw it as an opportunity to give hope to other patients and their families,” the statement said. “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 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 family asked mourners to “celebrate Pete and the hope that he has given to so many by following his daily affirmation: Be passionate, be genuine, be hardworking and don’t ever be afraid to be great.”
A mass is to be held at St. Ignatius of Loyola Parish at Boston College on a future date, followed by a celebration of his life at the North Shore of Boston.
My brother was recently diagnosed with this disease. It is heartbreaking.
Ellen Claire our thoughts and prayers are with your Brother and family ❤????❤
thank you
Ellen Claire If you haven’t reached out to Joan Dancy and PALS yet please do they have a wealth of knowledge and resources! I lost 3 family members including my mom to ALS! Thoughts and prayers for your family! ????
Carolyn Borkland, I am so sorry for your losses due to this disease. My brother lives in Maine. Are these resources just for people of Ocean County?
My condolences to his family. May he rest easy ????
Such younger people being diagnosed with ALS these days. My thoughts and prayers to the family
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RIP! My condolences to his family!
R.I.P. now..
ALS killed my mom in 2013. ????
God Bless. Rest In Peace
RIP
My Condolences ????????????
Sending my condolences to his family
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RIP
Lost my mom to ALS 2002 heartbreaking disease. My condolences to his family ????????
Rip
RIP. Tough disease and hopeful that one day we find a solution to it.
R.I.P. Pete
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Rest peacefully ????????????
Condolences to his family. May he rest in peace.
????????????????????????Prayers for his family!
God bless, may you Rest in Peace, my condolences to the family????????????
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Such an amazing man
My wife passed from ALS..
He was an inspiration to families and patients.
RIP.
Our deepest condolences to his family during this most difficult time in their lives…may Peter Frates rest in peace.
Rest In Peace, you fought the fight, now it’s time to eternally rest. God bless. ????????