A philanthropist who drove the popularity of the Ice Bucket Challenge has died in a drowning accident after diving from a building in the US.

Corey Griffin died hours after raising $150,000 (£90,000) to help his friend Pete Frates fight motor neurone disease ALS (Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis), The Boston Globe reported.

The 27-year-old dove off the roof of the "Juice Guys" building in Nantucket, Massachusetts, into a harbour on Friday 15 August.

“He was the happiest guy in the world,” Griffin's father Robert, told the newspaper. “He called me last night and told me he was in paradise.”

Video: George Bush gets soaked in Ice Bucket Challenge

Jumping from the building is a tradition, according to locals.

Griffin's death was ruled accidental by the state Office of Public Safety and Security.

Corey Griffin, 27, died after raising 150,000 (£90,000). Credit: Facebook

Video: Paralysed ALS patient takes part in ice bucket challenge

Posting a tribute on Facebook, Frates said: “Team FrateTrain lost a good friend today, Corey Griffin. Helping out was nothing new for Griff. He held his own event for me back in 2012, just a few months after diagnosis."

"He worked his butt off these last few weeks for ALS. We texted everyday, planning and scheming ways to raise funds and plan events."

Video: Watch GMB presenters Susanna Reid and Ben Shephard take the Ice Bucket Challenge

The Ice Bucket Challenge, which sees participants agree to nominations to be dunked in cold water or donate money to the ALS Association, has become a viral sensation.

Celebrities including David Beckham, Cheryl Cole, Anna Wintour and George Bush have taken the challenge to raise $31.5 million (£19 million) for the charity.