Jim Davis/The Boston Globe via Getty Images
The face of an international movement that raised $220 million for A.L.S. and helped scientists discover a new gene tied to the degenerative motor neuron disease has passed away at 34.
Pete Frates, former Boston College baseball captain and founder of the Ice Bucket Challenge, died this week after being diagnosed with Lou Gehrig’s disease in March 2012 at age 27.
“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,” the family said in a statement Monday.
Frates achieved more during his seven-year battle with the disease than most able-bodied people could dream of achieving in a lifetime, no small feat for someone suffering from a disease that robs patients of the abilities to walk, talk, eat and move.
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
Frates married his wife, Julie, eight months after he was diagnosed with A.L.S. When Julie was asked about subjecting herself to an inconceivably hard life, she replied: “I just love him and that’s that.”
The couple has a healthy and happy five-year-old daughter together, Lucy.
In 2014, Frates was named Sports Illustrated’s “Inspiration of the Year” and took home the NCAA Inspiration of the Year award in 2017. Boston College retired his number 3 during an ALS awareness game in May 2016 and in June 2019, Boston College announced it is naming a new baseball and softball training facility the Pete Frates Center.
Frates was even signed to an honorary contract with the Boston Red Sox on Opening Day in 2015 and the organization gave him a 2018 World Series ring. September 5 was named Pete Frates Day in Boston on that day in 2017.
Frates attended my high school, St. John’s Prep, an all-boys parochial school in Massachusetts. He was three years ahead of me and didn’t know me from a pimple on his ass, but I knew him. Everyone did. He was a three sport athlete and good at all of them (the school has since retired his jersey number 3 in baseball, football, and hockey), but never carried himself like he was the cock of the walk. He was the best kind of alpha–the subtle kind that doesn’t insist upon itself. I always looked up to him for that.
His death is devastating, but I’m glad a hero was born from the struggle.
We are very sad to hear about the passing of our friend @PeteFrates3 today. A big loss for the Boston community and beyond, his mission will live on forever. ♥️
"Be passionate, be genuine, be hardworking, and don't ever be afraid to be great." -Pete Frates pic.twitter.com/ZjNNOPBtfk
— TB12sports (@TB12sports) 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
— x – Boston Bruins (@NHLBruins) 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
When the cure for ALS is found Pete Frates will be one of the first names mentioned when people ask how it happened. What a fight he put forth. Rest In Peace.
— Ryan Whitney (@ryanwhitney6) December 9, 2019
RIP Pete Frates. You will never be forgotten for all that you have done for bringing awareness to ALS. Pete faced his fears of being diagnosed with ALS and used it as fuel to continue to live an amazing loving life. We will all miss you!!
— Lou Merloni (@LouMerloni) December 9, 2019
We are deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Pete Frates. His heroic battle served as an inspiration to all and will never be forgotten.
TD Garden will glow red tonight in honor of Pete and his fight against ALS. https://t.co/dnwKkfZrb2
— TD Garden (@tdgarden) December 9, 2019
Rest in peace, legend.