Travis Roy, Spinal Cord Injury Advocate, has Died at 45

A Maine native, who has been an advocate for people with spinal cord injuries since becoming paralyzed in college, has died at the age of 45.

Travis Roy's story is one of amazing courage and overcoming adversity. Born in Augusta, Roy was already a promising hockey player when he attended North Yarmouth Academy and was excited to enter Boston University for the 1995-1996 school year and join the NCAA Championship team. Just 11 seconds into his debut game with the college team, he slid headfirst into the boards after checking a North Dakota player. The spinal cord injury he suffered, as a result of that incident, left him a quadriplegic.

But Travis Roy didn't let that get him down. In 1996, he created the Travis Roy Foundation, which worked to enhance the lives of other people dealing with spinal cord injuries and their families. According to the foundation's Facebook page, he helped provide adaptive equipment to those who needed it, and worked to find a cure through funding research. Roy was a shining example of someone who overcame his personal limitations and lived a full life, despite being restricted to a wheelchair.

In 2015, Travis was honored by the Christopher and Dana Reeve Foundation. It was a black tie celebration in New York City when he was given the Christopher Reeve Spirit of Courage Award.

At the time of his death, Travis Roy was living in Vermont. WABI-TV reports he passed away due to complications from a surgery he needed to maintain his quality of life.

A quote on the website for the Travis Roy Foundation says:

"Free from his wheelchair, Travis is back on fresh ice." 

May he rest in peace. Our sincerest condolences to his family and friends.