Travis Roy, BU player paralyzed in first game, dies

Travis Roy, the Boston University hockey player who was paralyzed 11 seconds into his first college shift and became a motivational speaker and advocate for spinal chord injury survivors, 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 in a post on Facebook. “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 reigning NCAA champions in the 199596 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 as many as 40 motivational speeches a year. 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 in an interview 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 — half for research, and half to provide equipment for those with spinal chord injuries. Roy, who was able to control the joystick that maneuvered his chair, 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 told the AP in 2015, “some kids and a wife and not living with 24hour home care anymore.”

The hockey world shared its condolences Thursday.

“Travis Roy was the ultimate symbol of determination and courage,” former Bruins star and current team president Cam Neely said. “The impact that Travis had on the New England hockey community is immeasurable ...”