Obituary: Roy, 45, had a life full of passion and purpose
BOSTON— Travis Roy, the Boston University hockey player who was paralyzed 11 seconds into his first college shift and went on to become a motivational speaker and powerful advocate for the disabled, has died. He was 45.
His death was confirmed by the BU athletic department and the Travis Roy Foundation.
“It is with heavy hearts that we mourn the passing of Travis Roy,” the school said. “His story is the epitome of inspiration and courage, and he was a role model and a hero to so many people. His legacy will last forever, not just within the Boston University community, but with the countless lives he has impacted across the country.”
Roy was a 20-year-old freshman making his debut for the NCAA’s reigning champions in the 1995-96 season opener when he crashed headfirst into the boards after checking a North Dakota opponent.
The accident left him a quadriplegic.
From his wheelchair, he gave motivational speeches to raise money for a foundation that funds research and the purchase of equipment for paralysis victims. The message he shared: Do the best with what you have and don’t dwell on your misfortune.
“I like to say the first 20 years I had a life that was full of passion and the last 20 I’ve had a life full of purpose,” he said shortly after turning 40. “The dream is to have both at the same time, but I’m fortunate. I’ll take either one.”
In 1997, Roy created the Travis Roy Foundation, which has raised more than $9 million (U.S.) — half for research, half to provide equipment for those with spinal cord injuries.
Roy regained little movement after the injury and had no feeling below the middle of his chest. “I just thought the research would move along and by the time I was 40, I might have a chance of some normalcy again,” Roy said in 2015, “some kids and a wife and not living with 24-hour home care anymore.”