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One of the co-founders of the so-called "Ice Bucket Challenge" is dead: 37-year-old Patrick Quinn died on Sunday morning, as the ALS Foundation announced.
With the Ice Bucket Challenge in 2014, internet users worldwide drew attention to the rare nerve disease ALS, which Quinn had also been diagnosed with a year earlier.
He had contributed to popularizing "one of the greatest social media campaigns in history," wrote the foundation.
"Those of us who knew him are shaken but grateful for everything he has done to advance the fight against ALS." His support team shared on Facebook, Quinn's "inspiration and courage and his relentless struggle." against ALS “would always be remembered.
Six years ago, millions of people took part in the “Ice Bucket Challenge”, including celebrities such as Steven Spielberg, Bill Gates, and former US President George W. Bush.
Many in Germany also took part, including Bastian Schweinsteiger.
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The challenge was for participants to pour a bucket of ice-cold water over their heads and post videos of it on the Internet.
The campaign reportedly raised around $ 220 million (€ 185 million) in donations for ALS research.
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), also known as "Lou Gehrig Syndrome", is a serious disease of the nervous system and leads to progressive muscle paralysis.
Those affected can no longer move as the disease progresses.
They have difficulty swallowing, speaking, and breathing, but usually remain mentally fit.
The disease often occurs around the age of 50, and around half of the patients die within the first three years.
Last year, Quinn's colleague, Pete Frates, who also had ALS, died at the age of 34.