PARALYZED ICE HOCKEY PLAYER DIES AT 45 #TravisRoy

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Travis Roy, the US ice hockey player who was paralyzed 11 seconds into his first college game in 1995 and became a philanthropist for spinal cord injury treatment, has died, aged 45. Roy dedicated his life to helping spinal cord injury survivors and became an inspiration for millions of people.

Roy’s death on Thursday was confirmed by Keith Van Orden, his brother-in-law, who said that Roy died after he was taken to the University of Vermont Medical Center for surgery following complications from a previous operation.

The Travis Roy Foundation was created in 1997 to carry out research and provide specialist equipment for people with spinal cord injuries. People sent condolences online to Roy’s family. @Buccigross said: “Countless conversations, emails, texts with my friend. He just loved to talk hockey. Frozen in that chair always tightened my chest with sadness. But, he became a pass first human improving the life of many with his grit and relentlessness. Travis Roy was 45. Skate again, my man.”

@usahockey tweeted: “We are saddened to hear about the passing of Travis Roy, who transformed his personal tragedy into a beacon of hope for millions of people in the game and beyond.”

@TomCaron expressed his sadness in a tweet: “Absolutely crushed to hear that Travis Roy has passed away. I first met him when he played HS hockey in ME. Had the honor of calling his state championship. So special on the ice, but far more special in his life’s calling to help countless families in their darkest hour.”

He followed up with another tweet that read: “He was one of the most inspirational people I have ever met. He taught us all that no obstacle, no adversity, was too much. That there was always hope for a better life. May he

Rest In Peace. Thoughts and prayers go out to his parents, Lee &Brenda, & everyone at

@TRFoundation.”