ALS ice bucket challenge co-founder Corey Griffin drowns

Corey Griffin helped transform the ice bucket challenge for ALS into a fund-raising sensation after his friend Pete Frates was diagnosed.

16:13 21 August 2014

Corey Griffin, a 27-year-old philanthropist, who was instrumental in turning the ice bucket challenge for ALS into a fund-raining sensation, has died following a diving accident off the coast of Nantucket, Massachusetts.

According to reports, he dove off a wharf, resurfaced once before disappearing back under the water and drowning.

His father described him as “the happiest guy in the world.” He said: “He called me last night and told me that he was in paradise. “

Prominent figures have taken part in the ice bucket challenge including Robert Downey Jr, Steven Spielberg, Oprah, Justin Bieber, Britney Spears, Bill Gates, Mark Zuckerberg, Eddie Vedder, Lady Gaga, George Bush, Charlie Sheen, and Foo Fighters. The participants dumped ice water over their heads to raise awareness.

"Helping out was nothing new for Griff," Frates wrote on Facebook. "He held his own event for me back in 2012, just a few months after [my own ALS] 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."