UPDATE: Frates family and BC baseball say Pete Frates alive, battling at Mass. General Hospital

UPDATE/CORRECTION: An earlier report by Mike Barnicle that Pete Frates has passed away is not true, according to the Frates family and BC baseball on Twitter. I sincerely apologize for sharing the earlier, inaccurate reports - and continue to offer my prayers and appreciation to Frates and his loved ones.

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Frates, a 2007 graduate of Boston College, was captain of the baseball team during his time on the Heights. In 2012, Frates was diagnosed with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), commonly known as Lou Gehrig’s Disease.

Frates became a legend and an inspiration to millions through his courageous fight against ALS, and through his fundraising efforts - particularly the “Ice Bucket Challenge,” which became an international sensation in the summer of 2014.

Over $100,000,000 was raised for ALS research thanks in large part to the awareness driven by Frates' challenge. These funds contributed significantly to a crucial genetic discovery by ALS researchers, and could go a long way toward combating this terrible disease.

Frates became a beloved figure both in his native Massachusetts and around the world.