Travis Roy, paralyzed BU hockey player who advocated for spinal cord research, dies at 45

Travis Roy, an inspirational advocate for spinal cord research who was paralyzed in a freak injury 11 seconds into his Boston University hockey career, died Thursday afternoon. He was 45.

The former rising hockey star died in Burlington, Vt., said Lisa Kielt, the director of The Travis Roy Foundation. The Boston-based spinal cord foundation has handed out more than $4.6 million in research grants, according to its website.

Roy fatefully crashed into the boards in October 1995, shattering multiple vertebrae. The injury made him a national news story, and paralyzed him below the neck.

He went on to become a motivational speaker and philanthropist. In 1999, his jersey number — 24 — was hoisted into the rafters at Walter Brown Arena, the site of his injury. He was the first player in Boston University’s legendary hockey program to have his number retired.

In 2015, Boston Mayor Marty Walsh declared Oct. 20, the date of his injury, to be “Travis Roy Day.”

“His story is the epitome of inspiration and courage, and he was a role model and a hero to so many people,” Boston University said in a statement on Thursday. “Travis’ work and dedication towards helping fellow spinal cord-injury survivors is nothing short of amazing. His legacy will last forever.”

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