Former Boston University forward Travis Roy died at the age of 45 on Thursday due to complications from his paralysis.
Roy suffered a career-ending injury as a 20-year-old freshman just 11 seconds into his college hockey career in 1995-96. He crashed headfirst into the boards after checking an opponent from North Dakota, and the accident left him as a quadriplegic.
"It is with heavy hearts that we mourn the passing of Travis Roy," Boston University said in a statement Thursday. "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 went on to become a motivational speaker and advocate for the disabled. He started the Travis Roy Foundation in 1996 to fund research and help other spinal cord-injury survivors.
The hockey world took to social media to remember Roy with an outpouring of warm messages and condolences.
— NHL (@NHL) October 29, 2020
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 & beyond. ❤️ pic.twitter.com/WeYzzULQCh
— USA Hockey (@usahockey) October 29, 2020
Sad day. Travis was an incredibly inspirational man. I’ll never forget the speech he made while I was in high school. Rest In Peace https://t.co/2O6wdrTofG
— Alex Killorn (@Akillorn19) October 29, 2020
This is just brutal to hear. Travis was a true inspiration and changed so many peoples lives after dealing with a traumatic injury at such a young age. I truly feel lucky to have known him https://t.co/Mt2L7YOgcz
— Ryan Whitney (@ryanwhitney6) October 29, 2020
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. pic.twitter.com/nuiMCffDEa
— Bucci Mane (@Buccigross) October 29, 2020
A statement from Bruins President Cam Neely on the passing of Travis Roy. pic.twitter.com/kOtthdVAJD
— Boston Bruins (@NHLBruins) October 29, 2020
Travis Roy will be remembered for his courage, determination and the many, many lives he touched in his 45 years. Gone too soon, but an inspiration that overcame so much to lead an incredibly full life. Rest in Peace. https://t.co/U3icO6LJsX
— Joe Haggerty (@HackswithHaggs) October 30, 2020
I am so saddened to hear that Travis Roy has passed away. When I worked with the Maine Mariners, a young Travis took great pleasure in shooting hockey-tape balls at me while I would tend goal inside the team locker room. He loved the game and all of us loved him and his family. pic.twitter.com/owxFngMzPo
— Joe Beninati (@JoeBpXp) October 29, 2020
— Milan Lucic (@27MilanLucic) October 29, 2020
Horrific news about the passing of Travis Roy. When I was 13, I broke my neck playing hockey. When I'd see Travis over the last 25 years I'd think "but for the grace of God go I." And I'd also think, if that were me, there's no way I'd handle it with the grace and dignity he did.
— Dave Goucher (@DavidCGoucher) October 29, 2020
If you have not seen the E:60 piece on the life Travis Roy chose to lead after his accident, it’s well worth your time. What a human. https://t.co/c0PEkLTDmy
— Chris Peters (@chrismpeters) October 29, 2020
Absolutely heartbroken to learn of Travis Roy's passing. He was one of hockey's all-time ambassadors, a shining light for people in darkness, and an inspiration to all he met. 💔 https://t.co/RwQGHgHg3E
— Frank Seravalli (@frank_seravalli) October 29, 2020
I’m so saddened to hear this news of Travis Roy’s passing. I was fortunate to spend a day with him and his family where his positive attitude and love of hockey came shining through. Thinking of Travis’s family & friends. 🙏 https://t.co/xZtxvAK6iE
— Christine Simpson (@SNChrisSimpson) October 29, 2020
Brutally sad to hear the news about Travis Roy. I was always inspired after being around him. So mentally strong and his positive attitude was amazing. He made such a significant impact w his work. A special person who lived a special life in spite of his situation. RIP
— Billy Jaffe (@BJaffe) October 29, 2020
Sad news tonight. Travis Roy, a Mainer who inspired millions after a tragic accident in his first shift on the ice for Boston University has died. Roy, who grew up in Yarmouth and attended NYA became a driving force in raising awareness and money for paralysis causes.
— Travis Lee (@TLee_WMTW) October 29, 2020
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