Travis Roy, hockey player who was paralyzed on the ice, passes away at 45

Boston hockey legend Travis Roy has passed away at just 45 years old.

If you're not aware of the story of Travis Roy, do yourself a favour and do some homework. His story is an incredible tale of tragedy and overcoming limitations. For those not in the know, Roy was a 20 year old freshman defenseman for Boston University who was paralyzed just 11 seconds into his college career after falling awkwardly into the boards while attempting to deliver a bodycheck.

From the Travis Roy Foundation:

Eleven seconds was all it took. Eleven seconds to stop cold a shining career scarcely before it had take off on the ice. Travis Roy was a promising 20-year-old hockey star. Then moments into his first collegiate game as a Boston University freshman, a freak accident drove Travis into the boards. A cracked fourth vertebra left him paralyzed from the neck down.

Following his injury Roy established his namesake foundation and wrote the book "Eleven Seconds: A Story of Tragedy, Courage and Triumph". He has helped literally hundreds of children and young adults who have had their lives changed as a result of a catastrophic injury.

Boston University issued the following statement on Roy's passing today:

“It is with heavy hearts that we mourn the passing of Travis Roy,” BU Athletics 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.”

Gone too early. RIP, Travis. You affected so much change and helped so many people in your 45 years on Earth. I can't imagine how I personally would have lived my life if I had gone through what you had to go through. Your strength and perserverance are truly inspiring and your memory will live on in the hearts and minds of hockey fans everywhere.