Pete Frates, the Beverly native who championed the ALS Ice Bucket Challenge, passed away on Monday after his “heroic battle” with the degenerative disease, his family said in a statement released by his alma mater, Boston College. He was 34.

“Pete was an inspiration to so many people around the world who drew strength from his courage and resiliency,” his loved ones wrote. “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.”


He leaves behind his wife, Julie, and their daughter, Lucy.

Frates, a former captain of the Boston College baseball team, was diagnosed with ALS, also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease, in 2012 at the age of 27. In 2014, he helped propel the disease into the public consciousness after he was nominated to perform the Ice Bucket Challenge, tapping into the vast Boston sports community. The challenge quickly exploded, spreading from the sports community and Boston to the rest of the world with entire cities, celebrities, tech moguls, and even former presidents filming themselves getting doused with ice water to raise awareness for ALS. More than 17 million videos related to the challenge were shared on Facebook and watched by more than 440 million people, over 10 billion times. The campaign has been credited with raising over $225 million worldwide.

“It didn’t just raise money,’’ Lynn Aaronson, executive director of the Massachusetts Chapter of the ALS Association, told Boston.com in 2016. “People took the time to go and check out what ALS was, so it truly did raise both awareness and funds.’’

While he was raising awareness about ALS, Frates “never complained about his illness,” his loved ones said Monday.

“Instead, he saw it as an opportunity to give hope to other patients and their families,” they wrote. “In his lifetime, he was determined to change the trajectory of a disease that had no treatment or cure. … He was a beacon of hope for all.”


As news of his death spread Monday, messages of mourning echoed across the commonwealth and within the communities touched by his leadership.

“@PeteFrates3 was one the most courageous and inspirational people I have ever met,” Gov. Charlie Baker wrote. “He and his family changed the world for ALS patients & their families. Rest In Peace Pete. You earned it.”

@PeteFrates3 was one the most courageous and inspirational people I have ever met. He and his family changed the world for ALS patients & their families. Rest In Peace Pete. You earned it. #alschampion pic.twitter.com/J9Il5YaCyO — Charlie Baker (@CharlieBakerMA) December 9, 2019

Pete, you changed our city & our country for the better and made a difference in the lives of countless people. You helped us remember that we're all one family & we have to look out for one another. There's no telling how much good you've set in motion. RIP, my friend. #GoEagles https://t.co/aPjfqWQDvm — Mayor Marty Walsh (@marty_walsh) December 9, 2019

Our thoughts go out to the Frates family, hearing about the loss of Pete. He was a strong man, one of the toughest we've met. We were proud to take part in his Ice Bucket Challenge initiative. @MomFrates, he will be forever in our minds, as will you and your family. — Mass State Police (@MassStatePolice) December 9, 2019

You changed the world Pete. Im so very proud to have called you my friend. Heart hurts a lot today but ur name and legacy will live on forever. Rest easy my friend – we’ll continue to spread your word. Boston was so lucky to have you ??? #BostonStrong #alsicebucketchallenge #rip pic.twitter.com/LxHtExXWZN — David Ortiz (@davidortiz) December 9, 2019

Pete Frates was the definition of an inspiration. His courage, determination, and fight made Boston – and the world – proud. The impact he made on all of us will never be forgotten. The Bruins offer their sincere condolences to the Frates family during this difficult time. pic.twitter.com/2oFPGVJ4AZ — Boston Bruins (@NHLBruins) December 9, 2019

A funeral for Frates will be held at a date to be determined at St. Ignatius Church in Chestnut Hill. His family asked for mourners to consider making a donation to the Peter Frates Family Foundation to help ALS patients stay at home with their loved ones as they battle the disease.

Read the full statement from the Frates family below: