PATRICK QUINN, the co-founder of the Ice Bucket Challenge, has sadly passed away from amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), aged 37.
Quinn was a key figure in the success of the viral video challenge, which exploded across social media back in 2014.
Sport stars, actors and celebrities from all walks of life engaged in the campaign, which was set up to help fund research into a cure for ALS.
They shared their exploits in videos and photos of themselves dumping buckets of ice water on their heads and nominating friends and family to do the same while encouraging others to donate to essential ALS research.
Born and raised in Yonkers, New York, Quinn was first diagnosed with the debilitating condition back in Marh 2013.
The ALS Association credited Quinn with helping popularise “the greatest social media campaign in history”.
“The Ice Bucket challenge dramatically accelerated the fight against ALS, leading to new research discoveries, expansion of care for people with ALS, and greater investment by the government in ALS research.”
We are deeply saddened to share that Pat Quinn, co-founder of the ALS Ice Bucket Challenge passed away at the age of 37....
Posted by The ALS Association on Sunday, November 22, 2020
Also known as motor neurone disease or Lou Gehrig’s disease, Quinn played a key role in the campaign, raising an estimated €186 million to help fight the condition.
The ALS Foundation paid tribute to his tireless efforts in a statement posted on Facebook.
“Pat fought ALS with positivity and bravery and inspired all around him,” it said.
“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.”
