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Pete Frates Remembered As The 'Definition Of An Inspiration'

BOSTON (CBS) -- Support for the Frates family was visible on Twitter Monday, after the death of 34-year-old Pete Frates. Frates, a former Boston College baseball captain, became an ALS advocate after he was diagnosed with the disease in 2012.

Frates helped make Ice Bucket Challenge a national phenomenon in 2014. After the online sensation, about 17 million people from around the world raised more than $200 million worldwide for the fight against ALS.

Many online tweeted how they will remember Frates and sent condolences to his family.

Gov. Charlie Baker called Frates "one [of] the most courageous and inspirational people" he has ever met. "Rest In Peace Pete. You earned it."

 

The Boston Bruins said Frates was "the definition of an inspiration" and his "courage, determination, and fight made Boston - and the world - proud."

"Our thoughts go out to the Frates family," said Mass. State Police. "We were proud to take part in his Ice Bucket Challenge initiative."

Boston Mayor Marty Walsh said, "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."

David Ortiz tweeted, "You changed my world Pete... Rest easy my friend - we'll continue to spread your word."

"A legacy of courage, grace and nobility even as life dealt him tragedy," Mitt Romney said.

Boston College Head Baseball Coach Mike Gambino released a statement that said:

"When you're a man of character and live a life of integrity and the cause is just, then people will follow. Pete represented everything we want in our student-athletes. He embodied character, toughness and class; living as a man for others to change the world. Pete's individual battle with ALS has ended, but the mission that he started the day he was diagnosed lives on in our community, our university and in our program until we strike out ALS. This disease is going to end because of Pete Frates. We are all the better for having known Pete and witnessed his courage in the face of true adversity. Like Pete, the entire Frates family will always be a part of our program and our hearts go out to them."

Family members said anyone who wishes to extend condolences can make a donation to the Peter Frates Family Foundation.

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