Former Boston University hockey player Travis Roy poses in his apartment in downtown Boston on April 15, 2015. Roy, who was paralyzed 11 seconds into his first game and went on to be a motivational speaker and advocate for the disabled, has died. He was 45. The BU athletic department confirmed his death in a statement posted on Facebook. (AP file photo)

His death was confirmed by the BU athletic department and the Travis Roy Foundation.

“It is with heavy hearts that we mourn the passing of Travis Roy,” the school said in a post on Facebook. “His story is the epitome of inspiration and courage, and he was a role model and a hero to so many people. His legacy will last forever, not just within the Boston University community, but with the countless lives, he has impacted across the country.”

Roy was a 20-year-old freshman making his debut for the reigning NCAA champions in the 1995-96 season opener when he crashed headfirst into the boards after checking a North Dakota opponent.

The accident left him a quadriplegic.

Travis Roy poses in his apartment in downtown Boston on April 15, 2015. Roy grew into a hockey standout in his first 20 years. He turned 40 on Friday, April 17, 2015, and has spent almost half his life in a wheelchair as a paraplegic after slamming into the boards 11 seconds into his first shift for national champion Boston University. (AP file photo)

From his wheelchair, he gave as many as 40 motivational speeches a year. The message he shared: Do the best with what you have and don’t dwell on your misfortune.

“I like to say the first 20 years I had a life that was full of passion and the last 20 I’ve had a life full of purpose,” he said in an interview with The Associated Press shortly after turning 40. “The dream is to have both at the same time, but I’m fortunate. I’ll take either one.”

In 1997, Roy created the Travis Roy Foundation, which has raised more than $9 million — half for research, and half to provide equipment for those with spinal chord injuries. Roy, who was able to control the joystick that maneuvered his chair, regained little movement after the injury and had no feeling below the middle of his chest.

“I just thought the research would move along and by the time I was 40 I might have a chance of some normalcy again,” Roy told the AP in 2015, “some kids and a wife and not living with 24-hour home care anymore.”

The hockey world shared its condolences Thursday.

“Travis Roy was the ultimate symbol of determination and courage,” former Boston Bruins star and current team president Cam Neely said. “The impact that Travis had on the New England hockey community is immeasurable, and his relentless advocacy for spinal cord research was inspiring.”

Ray Bourque, another ex-Bruin and Hockey Hall of Famer, said he and his wife were “honored to have known such a great man who helped so many others. Our family sends our heartfelt condolences to the Roy family and everyone Travis touched.”