Pete Frates dead at 34: The former baseball star who inspired Ice Bucket Challenge passes away after battle with ALS – The Sun

FORMER baseball player Pete Frates, who helped inspire the ALS ice bucket challenge, has died aged 34.

Frates battled with motor neuron disease and played a huge part in spreading the condition through a huge social media campaign.

His family confirmed his sad passing with a statement that read: "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.

"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 started in 2014 when golfer Chris Kennedy nominated the wife of Anthony Senerchia – who had ALS known as Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis – to tip a bucket of ice cold water over her head for fun.

By this point the stunt wasn't registered to a charity, it was only until Frates became the fourth person to participate that it really took off online.

Millions got involved including the likes of David Beckham, Barack Obama and Donald Trump.

The online videos helped raise a staggering £167million for research into ALS.

Frates played baseball professionally in Germany after playing at Boston College.

He was diagnosed with ALS in 2012 after a wrist injury sustained from baseball failed to heal properly.

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