Pete Frates, Who Fought ALS With Ice Bucket Challenge, Dies

BEVERLY, MA — Peter Frates, a star Massachusetts baseball player whose career was cut short when he was diagnosed with ALS, died Monday at age 33. Frates, born in Beverly, was an outfielder at Boston College and dreamed of making it to the MLB. He got as far as playing baseball professionally in Europe.

In 2012, Frates was diagnosed with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, an incurable brain condition also known as Lou Gehrig's disease. Frates was 27 at the time.

In 2014, Frates popularized the ice bucket challenge, a social media campaign to raise money for ALS research. People film themselves pouring ice water over their heads and calling out friends to take the challenge themselves and donate. To date, the campaign has raised at least $200 million globally, according to multiple reports.

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

Frates got the idea for the ice bucket challenge from Patrick Quinn of Yonkers, New York. Quinn was also diagnosed with ALS. The two quickly became friends; Quinn helped Frates accomplish what became his purpose in life after his diagnosis.

“Upon my diagnosis, it became abundantly clear that my calling was to raise ALS awareness and to fight for a brighter future for all those affected today and those yet to come," Frates wrote in a 2014 Bleacher Report column.

Frates' family said he never complained about his illness. Instead, he used it as an opportunity to inspire other people living with ALS, they said.

Those leadership qualities were evident well before Frates' diagnosis. After his playing days were over, Frates was brought back to Boston College as the team's director of baseball operations. He continued providing advice and inspiration to Eagles players even as the disease progressed and made it impossible for him to travel, according to BC News.

"Pete Frates possessed the characteristics we hold dear as a university — courage, integrity, selflessness and a commitment to helping others," Boston College spokesman Jack Dunn said in a statement. "He accepted his illness and devoted the remaining years of his life to raising awareness of ALS and helping to raise money for a cure. He is a role model for all BC students and a beloved figure on our campus."

The North Shore community was devastated by Frates' death.

These are some of Frates' highlights at Boston College:

And here's Frates participating in the ice bucket challenge in 2014 at Fenway Park:

The Red Sox presented Frates with a World Series ring after their 2018 championship run:

Jimmy Bentley, Patch staff, contributed to this story.