Travis Roy, philanthropist for spinal cord injury treatment, dies at 45

6:13 PM ET
Greg Wyshynski
ESPN

Former Boston University hockey player Travis Roy, who was paralyzed after an injury in 1995 and became a philanthropist for spinal cord injury treatment, has died at 45. ... A family spokesperson told WCVB in Boston that Roy died in Vermont due to complications from a procedure he needed to maintain his quality of life. ... Roy slid headfirst into the boards just 11 seconds into his first shift for BU on Oct. 20, 1995. He cracked his fourth vertebra, which left him a quadriplegic. Roy had since regained movement in his right arm, which he used to control the joystick that maneuvered his wheelchair.

"It is with heavy hearts that we mourn the passing of Travis Roy,'' Boston University said in a statement. "His story is the epitome of inspiration and courage, and he was a role model and a hero to so many people. Travis' work and dedication towards helping fellow spinal cord-injury survivors is nothing short of amazing. His legacy will last forever, not just within the Boston University community, but with the countless lives he has impacted across the country. Our sincere thoughts are with his wonderful family as well as his vast support group of friends and colleagues."

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In a profile on the 20th anniversary of his injury, Bostonia wrote, “Roy hears these stories during his 50-hour workweek with the Travis Roy Foundation. When it started, it was able to give out 5 or 6 grants a year; today, it gives 150 grants a year, making home modifications so a 17-year-old boy, paralyzed in a car accident, can return home, and installing a lift so a father who fell off a ladder can reach the second floor of his home to tuck his children into bed.”

But even as Roy helped so many in his life, he acknowledged having some darker moments. Just a week ago, in an interview with the Boston Globe as the 25th anniversary approached, Roy told the paper’s Kevin Cullen, “Sometimes I might be in a mood and might wish the moment didn’t happen, and I wonder what life would have been. But it’s a part of who I am.”

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Bostonia

Boston University's Alumni Magazine

TRIBUTES

Travis Roy, Terrier Hockey Player Paralyzed in 1995, Dies at 45

Dedicated his life after the accident to helping others with spinal cord injuries and funding research



Travis Roy at center ice at the Agganis Arena in October 2015. Photo by Jackie Ricciardi

OCTOBER 29, 2020 | DOUG MOST

Almost exactly 25 years to the day after his life was tragically altered 11 seconds into his first shift for the Boston University hockey team, Travis Roy (COM’00, Hon.’16), who was left paralyzed from the neck down in that game, died on Thursday. He was 45.

A family spokesman says Roy died from complications of being a quadriplegic for 25 years.

“He did not want ever to put anybody out, he approached everything with love and gratitude,” says Keith VanOrden, who is married to Roy’s sister, Tobi. “He did say if his passing inspired others, and served to motivate others to support the Travis Roy Foundation, then what a great way to remember him.”

VanOrden says Roy, who split his time between Boston and Vermont, was in Vermont when he died, with family by his side. “He’s been a gift to us. A gift to everybody for 25 years. There were times you’d do things with him, and it was the best hour of your day. You never knew all the effort that went into getting into his chair. But when you were with him, it was a presence unlike anything you ever experienced.”

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Bostonia

Boston University's Alumni Magazine

Travis Roy, 20 Years Later

$2.5 million gift will create the Travis M. Roy Professorship at Sargent College

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