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Daily Mirror
Daily Mirror
National
Bradley Jolly

Pete Frates dead: Man with ALS who inspired ice bucket challenge dies, aged 34

The dad who inspired the ice bucket challenge has died today aged 34.

The cause for Pete Frates, who had ALS (amyotrophic lateral sclerosis), raised millions for research.

But Boston College today confirmed the father-of-one's death.

"He was a noble fighter who inspired us all to use our talents and strengths in the service of others," the Frates family said in a statement.

"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."

The ice bucket challenge was a viral social media sensation, which raised both awareness and funds for ALS.

Pete Frates, who had ALD, inspired the Ice Bucket Challenge (Boston Globe)

Estimates suggest his research raised between $160million (£121million) and $220 million (£167million).

Celebrities, including Kim Kardashian, backed the campaign, often taking the challenge and sharing footage on their Twitter and Instagram pages to millions of fans.

Bill Gates, Will Smith and Lady Gaga also participated in this. live on This Morning in 2015.

Mr Frates attends an award ceremony in 2014 after his viral sensation stormed the web (FilmMagic)
Eamonn Holmes's ice bucket challenge was broadcast live on ITV (ITV)

And Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg soaked himself.

Mr Frates, who lived in Beverley, Massachusetts, was a keen baseball player.

The ice bucket challenge involved a person having a bucket of iced water poured over their head and then nominating someone else to follow suit.

Video evidence of the drenching was shared on social media.

The nominee either accepted and donated money to the ALS Association or refused and donated a larger sum of money.

It largely became popular in the UK in 2014.

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