Ice Bucket Challenge co-creator Patrick Quinn Passes Away

Ice Bucket Challenge co-creator Patrick Quinn passed away on November 22. He was 37 years of age. Pat Quinn was diagnosed with Lou Gehrig’s disease, also known as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, in 2013.

A post on his Facebook handle confirmed that news, “It is with great sadness that we must share the passing of Patrick early this morning, his team wrote in a post in Quinn’s ALS advocacy Facebook group, Quinn for the Win. We will always remember him for his inspiration and courage in his tireless fight against ALS.”

“Pat Quinn was diagnosed with Lou Gehrig’s disease, also known as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, in 2013, a month after his 30th birthday. He fought ALS with positivity and bravery and inspired all around him. Those of us who knew him are devastated but grateful for all he did to advance the fight against ALS. Our thoughts are with the Quinn family and all of his friends and supporters. Pat was loved by many of us within the ALS community and around the world.”

Quinn may have not started the Ice Bucket Challenge. But he took up the challenge and made it help become a global phenomenon with his partner. He doused himself with ice-cold water and posted the video online. Soon millions took up the challenge and started posting videos online. They then made donations for medical research. The campaign reportedly raised $220 million to fund research into ALS.

A number of celebrities, high-profile personalities and entire sports teams took part in the challenge, including Tom Cruise, Steven Spielberg, Bill Gates and even former US President George W Bush.