BOSTON — Beverly native and ALS Ice Bucket Challenge creator Pete Frates has died at the age of 34.
Frates grew up on the North Shore and lived a busy life, having an immeasurable impact on the world through his activism following his diagnosis of ALS, also known as Lou Gehrig's disease.
Tributes poured in from around the world for the former Boston College baseball player.
READ MORE: Beverly native, ALS ice bucket challenge hero Pete Frates has died
The #RedSox statement regarding the passing of Pete Frates: https://t.co/ANn3HlsPzG pic.twitter.com/TSG92pqvsv
— Red Sox (@RedSox) December 9, 2019
The Boston Red Sox issued a statement following the news of Frates' death on Monday:
The Red Sox today issued the following statements regarding the passing of their honorary Red Sox player, Pete Frates, who was presented with a professional baseball contract by the club in 2013.
"Never in the history of baseball have we seen a person's efforts outside of the game gain him a professional baseball contract and a home in the National Baseball Hall of Fame," said Red Sox Principal Owner John Henry. "Such was the enormity of Pete Frates' impact. His efforts will not only be felt in the labs of ALS researchers across the country, but also within the walls of Fenway Park where his spirit will remain with us, always. Our condolences to his wife Julie, his daughter Lucy, his parents John and Nancy, and siblings Andrew and Jennifer."
"While battling one of the world's darkest diseases, Pete taught us how undaunted optimism can lay the groundwork to inspire a revolutionary movement," said Red Sox Chairman Tom Werner. "He did more to raise awareness for ALS during his lifetime than anyone in the past eighty years since Lou Gehrig delivered his "Luckiest Man" speech. He and his family are loved by many in our front office and we offer them our deepest condolences."
"Behind every Red Sox fan, there's a story," said Red Sox President and CEO Sam Kennedy. "We are so very proud that Pete's story led him through Fenway Park as a player, and later, as an icon and member of our family. His legacy will affect generations of ALS patients nationwide, and his courage will be remembered by all of us. We were privileged to have known him, and honored that he was part of our team."
Heartbroken over the loss of @PeteFrates3, our hero, teammate, mentor and brother. He changed the world.#StrikeOutALS
— BC Baseball (@BCBirdBall) December 9, 2019
#⃣3⃣ https://t.co/7J6327XUVr pic.twitter.com/xcfGFuag0Y
Pete Frates was the definition of an inspiration.
— Boston Bruins (@NHLBruins) December 9, 2019
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
Today we lost one of the strongest human beings to ever walk the earth. Pete you inspired our team and you inspired many others around the world!! The fight to strike out ALS continues and we will honor the name @PeteFrates3 every year until the fight has been won. pic.twitter.com/k0BTN7i2i9
— Team Challenge ALS (@TMchallengeALS) December 9, 2019
The Frates family announces with great sadness the loss of Pete Frates ’07, who has passed away after his courageous and public battle with ALS. Read the Frates Family statement: https://t.co/5nVJLeGjLC pic.twitter.com/PL4hT9yquI
— Boston College (@BostonCollege) 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
@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
We mourn the loss of an inspiration to all. Thank you Pete Frates for changing the world each and every day.
— The Eagle's Nest (@TheNestSJP) December 9, 2019
Pete Frates has passed away at the age of 34.
— Only In Boston (@OnlyInBOS) December 9, 2019
"The Frates family wishes to express its sincere gratitude for the abundant love, kindness, and support we have been the recipients of during the past eight years."#RIP
❤️ pic.twitter.com/JK4JuevQbo
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. ♥️
— TB12 (@TB12sports) December 9, 2019
"Be passionate, be genuine, be hardworking, and don't ever be afraid to be great." -Pete Frates pic.twitter.com/ZjNNOPBtfk
Oh how we loved and admired courageous Pete Frates. He changed the world by taking us on his journey, creating the Ice Bucket Challenge, and improving hope for others facing this daunting disease. Rest In Peace, and love to the remarkable Frates Family.
— Worcester Red Sox (@WooSox) 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
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 (@tdgarden) December 9, 2019
TD Garden will glow red tonight in honor of Pete and his fight against ALS. https://t.co/dnwKkfZrb2
The entire Beverly Police Department and citizens of Beverly want to express our sincere condolences on the passing of Beverly’s Pete Frates. We ask that you please give the family some time to grieve. pic.twitter.com/7J6Un8W5il
— Chief John LeLacheur (@ChiefLeLacheur) December 9, 2019
Five years ago, @PeteFrates3, @PQuinnfortheWin and a handful of others literally changed the world when they launched the Ice Bucket Challenge.
— Brian Wallach (@bsw5020) December 9, 2019
They inspired a movement that swept the globe, raising more than $200 million dollars and reshaping the fight against ALS.
Our hearts go out to Frates family and Boston community. @PeteFrates3 changed the trajectory of ALS forever and showed the world how to live with a fatal disease. His efforts to lead the Ice Bucket Challenge had a significant impact on the search for treatments and a cure for ALS
— The ALS Association (@alsassociation) December 9, 2019
@PeteFrates3 will always be remembered for his courageous fight against ALS - he was loved not only by his amazing family but by many near and far - he was truly an inspiration to all who had the honor of meeting him. God Bless this beautiful family.
— Karyn Polito (@KarynPolito) December 9, 2019
No one has ever done more to increase public awareness of #ALS and help raise funds for ALS research than Pete Frates. He was the embodiment of #BostonStrong. His legacy will live on and his advocacy will one day contribute to a cure being found for this terrible disease.
— Tufts Medical Center (@TuftsMedicalCtr) 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
Pete Frates, the greatest athlete in Boston history, has passed away, per family. What a great fighter. He will never be forgotten.
— Steve Buckley (@BuckinBoston) December 9, 2019
Heartfelt sorrow with the death of Pete Frates, the young baseball star stricken with ALS who inspired the #IceBucketChallenge that raised millions for critical research. A legacy of courage, grace and nobility even as life dealt him tragedy.
— Mitt Romney (@MittRomney) December 9, 2019
Thanks to Pete Frates one of the most charitable efforts in world history was launched. From July 29 to August 29, 2014, $100 million was raised for ALS through the Ice Bucket Challenge. That’s more than had been raised for ALS in a year.
— Darren Rovell (@darrenrovell) December 9, 2019
It has been a blessing to know Pete Frates. It is now a privilege, honor and duty to carry on his legacy at @stjohnsprep @TheNestSJP https://t.co/M8hU072cQZ
— Ed Hardiman (@ehardiman) December 9, 2019
A hero that transcends the diamond.
— NCAA Baseball (@NCAACWS) December 9, 2019
Today we remember the courage of @BCEagles alum Pete Frates, who inspired the nation to raise more than $220 million – changing the world of ALS forever. pic.twitter.com/NUTB50LxN2
A hero and an inspiration to the New England community and beyond.
— New England Patriots (@Patriots) December 9, 2019
The Kraft family and New England Patriots extend our sincerest condolences to the family and friends of @PeteFrates3. pic.twitter.com/EJtkDftgMz
“It would have been very easy to retreat into solitude, retreat into anger. But they chose to take the public path because they realized they had a unique opportunity through Pete’s celebrity to help find a cure...” - Jack Dunn, Boston College spokesperson @boston25 pic.twitter.com/3DyR6LYWsy
— Kirsten Glavin (@kirstenglavin) December 9, 2019
Our condolences go out to the Frates family today. Christiane and I are saddened to hear about the passing of a good friend and amazing person. Pete, thank you for everything you did for the fight against ALS and everyone you inspired to be a part of it. Rest In Peace. pic.twitter.com/0zARfWmXDU
— Ray Bourque (@RayBourque77) December 9, 2019
A candlelight vigil at Pete's Park in Beverly is planned for Tuesday at 6 p.m.
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