Ice Bucket Challenge Co-Founder Corey Griffin, 27, Drowns In Accident

How very sad. Corey Griffin, a young man who helped propel the ALS Ice Bucket Challenge into what it is today, died on Aug. 16. Corey Griffin passed away in a Nantucket, Mass. diving accident just hours after he left a fundraiser where he reportedly raised $100,000 for ALS research. He was only 27 years old.

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August 19, 2014 9:48PM EDT
Corey Griffin Dead
Image Credit: Courtesy of LinkedIn

Corey Griffin Dead: Ice Bucket Challenge Co-Founder Drowns In Tragic Accident

Corey was a close friend of Pete Frates, 29, a man diagnosed with ALS in 2012 whose loved ones first launched the ice bucket challenge to raise money and awareness for ALS research. Corey helped pioneer the ALS Ice Bucket Challenge, which has gone viral and raised millions of dollars for the cause. 

After leaving a fundraiser for ALS, Corey dove off a building at Straight Wharf in Nantucket at 2 a.m. on Aug. 16 and drowned, according to the Boston Globe. “He floated to the surface, then he sank. He did not come up again,” the report says. Corey was pronounced dead at 3 a.m. He had helped raise $100,000 for ALS research on the night of his death.

Corey Griffin: Dead ALS Challenge Founder Honored By Moving Tribute

Pete has spoken out about his friend Corey’s sad death.

“Team FrateTrain lost a good friend today, Corey Griffin. Helping out was nothing new for Griff. He held his own event for me back in 2012, just a few months after diagnosis. He worked his butt off these last few weeks for ALS. We texted everyday, planning and scheming ways to raise funds and plan events,” Pete posted on his Facebook page.

Corey Griffin: Friends Remember Ice Bucket Challenge Co-Founder After Death

Corey leaves behind his mother, father, one brother and one sister, according to CBS Boston.

The Ice Bucket Challenge has raised $22.9 million for ALS research, according to the ALS Association website. People from across the world continue to donate and engage in the challenge to raise awareness and money for the cause.

Our thoughts and prayers are with Corey’s family and friends during this very difficult time.

— Megan Ross

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