Travis Roy, Boston University Hockey Player Paralyzed in 1995, Dies at 45

On October 20, 1995, Travis Roy made his debut with the Boston University hockey team. Eleven seconds into his first shift, Roy slid into the boards and suffered a spinal cord injury, which left him paralyzed.

Roy's injury drew nationwide attention — and he used that attention for good. In 1997, he started the Travis Roy Foundation, to fund scientific research, and help spinal cord injury survivors lead more independent lives.

Roy died on Thursday at the age of 45 due to complications from a procedure he needed to maintain his quality of life. We reflect on his legacy with Ed Swift, Roy's co-author of "Eleven Seconds: A Story of Tragedy, Courage, and Triumph."