Patrick Quinn, whose personal battle with ALS helped power the Ice Bucket Challenge fundraising campaign, has died at age 37, seven years after his diagnosis.
Quinn, who was born and grew up in Yonkers, New York, was co-founder of the campaign that raised more than $US220 million for medical research into amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, more commonly known as Lou Gehrig's Disease.
He was diagnosed with ALS on March 8, 2013.
"It is with great sadness that we must share the passing of Patrick early this morning," his supporters said on Facebook on Sunday. "We will always remember him for his inspiration and courage in his tireless fight against ALS."
The Ice Bucket Challenge went viral on social media in 2014, when people around the world posted videos and photos of themselves dumping buckets of ice water on their heads and challenging others to do the same while urging donations for ALS research.
Among Quinn's many honours for raising awareness of ALS and promoting research was a nomination with fellow ALS activist Peter Frates as "Person of the Year" by Time magazine.
Frates died last year at age 34, seven years after his diagnosis.
Australian Associated Press
