What Happened to Rick Hansen? Is Rick Hansen Still Alive?
by S Samayanka
Updated Jan 02, 2024
What Happened to Rick Hansen?
At the age of 15, Rick Hansen experienced a life-altering event when he survived a vehicle accident that left him paralyzed from the waist down. This pivotal moment didn't deter him; instead, it ignited a lifelong commitment to overcome adversity. Now, 50 years later, Hansen is globally recognized for his advocacy in accessibility rights and achievements on the world stage. Reflecting on the tragic incident on June 27, 1973, Hansen and a friend hitched a ride in a truck after a fishing trip.
The driver lost control, leading to a collision with a tree that ejected them from the vehicle. This accident resulted in a spinal injury for Hansen, shaping his resilience and determination in the face of immense challenges. His journey serves as an inspirational tale of triumph over despair, emphasizing the significance of believing that things can improve even in the darkest moments.
Is Rick Hansen Still Alive?
As of now, Rick Hansen is indeed alive and well. Born on August 26, 1957, the Canadian Paralympian, activist, and philanthropist has continued to make significant contributions to the advocacy of accessibility rights and spinal cord injury-related initiatives.
Having survived a life-altering accident at the age of 15, Hansen's journey has been marked by resilience and determination. As of now, he remains an inspirational figure, actively engaged in his role as the president and CEO of the Rick Hansen Foundation.
Who is Rick Hansen?
Rick Hansen, born on August 26, 1957, is a renowned Canadian Paralympic athlete, activist, and philanthropist. At the age of 15, a pickup truck crash left him paralyzed, sparking a journey defined by resilience and advocacy. Hansen gained international acclaim for his Man in Motion World Tour, where he circled the globe in a wheelchair, raising funds for disability-related causes.
Inducted into Canada's Sports Hall of Fame in 2006, he also played significant roles in the torch relays of the 1988 and 2010 Winter Olympics. Hansen's impactful contributions extend beyond athletics, as he continues to champion accessibility rights and inclusivity globally. His life is a testament to overcoming adversity and fostering positive change for people with disabilities, making him a symbol of inspiration and determination.
Birth name
Nationality
Canadian
Born
August 26, 1957
Age
66 Years
Place of Birth
Port Alberni, British Columbia, Canada
Occupations
Disability activist, former Paralympian
Richard Marvin Hansen
Rick Hansen Early Life
Rick Hansen's early life was shaped by an active and outdoorsy childhood in Williams Lake, British Columbia. Born in Port Alberni in 1957, he immersed himself in sports like volleyball, baseball, softball, and basketball, sharing cherished fishing trips with his father and grandfather. The course of his life took a dramatic turn on June 27, 1973, when a pickup truck accident rendered him paralyzed from the waist down.
Unyielding in the face of adversity, Hansen dedicated himself to rehabilitation, achieving the historic feat of becoming the first student with a physical disability to graduate in physical education from the University of British Columbia.
His resilience and talent extended to wheelchair volleyball, basketball, and eventually into the realm of marathon racing. Rick's early years set the stage for a remarkable journey of athletic prowess, advocacy, and breaking barriers, all while maintaining a deep connection with his family.
Rick Hansen Career
Rick Hansen's illustrious career spans the realms of sports, activism, and philanthropy. Born in 1957 in Port Alberni, British Columbia, Hansen's life took a transformative turn at 15 when a pickup truck accident left him paralyzed from the waist down. Undeterred, he pursued rehabilitation, completing high school and making history as the first physical disability student to graduate in physical education from the University of British Columbia.
Hansen's athletic prowess extended to wheelchair volleyball, basketball, and marathon racing. He competed in the 1980 and 1984 Summer Paralympics, securing six medals. However, his defining moment came with the Man in Motion World Tour, a monumental journey around the globe in his wheelchair from 1985 to 1987. Covering 40,075 km across 34 countries, he raised $26 million for spinal cord research and quality of life initiatives.
Post-tour, Hansen transitioned to a leadership role, becoming the president and CEO of the Rick Hansen Foundation. Over the years, the foundation has raised over $200 million for spinal cord injury-related programs, actively working to create an inclusive world without barriers. Hansen's impact goes beyond charity; he played a vital role in the development of ICORD, promoting spinal cord treatment best practices.
His commitment to accessibility is evident in initiatives like the Rick Hansen School Program and collaboration with WE Charity to make every building in Canada fully accessible within 30 years. Hansen's enduring legacy underscores his dedication to empowering and enhancing the lives of individuals with disabilities.
How Old is Rick Hansen?
As of 2024, Rick Hansen is 66 years old. Born on August 26, 1957, in Port Alberni, British Columbia, Canada, he has become a symbol of resilience and determination over the years.His impact extends beyond his athletic achievements, including winning medals in wheelchair racing at the Paralympics and completing the iconic Man in Motion World Tour.
In his ongoing role as the president and CEO of the Rick Hansen Foundation, Hansen continues to make significant contributions to creating a world without barriers for individuals with disabilities. As he celebrates his 66th year, Rick Hansen's legacy remains a source of inspiration for people worldwide.
Rick Hansen Awards
2012
Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal
2006
William Van Horne Visionary Award
2002
Queen Elizabeth II Golden Jubilee Commemorative Medal
2000
Athlete of the Century
1992
125th Anniversary of the Confederation of Canada Medal
1992
Order of British Columbia
1987
Companion of the Order of Canada
1987
Freedom of the City Award
1987
W.A.C. Bennett Award
1986
Newsmaker of the Year
1983
Lou Marsh/Canadian Outstanding Athlete of the Year Award
Year
Award
Rick Hansen Net Worth
Rick Hansen's net worth is estimated to be $640 million, placing him as the 95th richest Canadian. This considerable financial standing is not only a testament to his successful career as a Paralympic athlete but also reflects his achievements in philanthropy and leadership. Beyond his athletic prowess, Hansen's impact has been significant in advocating for accessibility rights and spinal cord injury-related initiatives.
The financial success contributes to his ability to support and spearhead programs through the Rick Hansen Foundation, ultimately enhancing the quality of life for individuals with disabilities. Hansen's wealth not only symbolizes personal success but also serves as a valuable resource for his ongoing commitment to creating a more inclusive and accessible world for everyone.
How Did Rick Hansen Get Injured?
Rick Hansen's life took a drastic turn at the age of 15 when he sustained a spinal cord injury in a pickup truck crash. The accident, which occurred during a ride with a friend, led to a loss of control by the driver and a collision with a tree. Rick and his friend were thrown from the vehicle, resulting in a spinal injury that left Hansen paralyzed from the waist down.
Fresherslive consistently delivers ongoing news and trending topics in a straightforward manner, making it effortless for you to stay informed. We prioritize clarity and simplicity in our communication.
What Happened to Rick Hansen - FAQs
Yes, as of now, Rick Hansen is alive and well.
Terry Fox's Marathon of Hope, undertaken to raise cancer awareness, inspired Hansen to embark on his global wheelchair journey.
Rick Hansen currently serves as the president and CEO of the Rick Hansen Foundation, actively contributing to accessibility rights and spinal cord injury-related initiatives.
Rick Hansen visited 34 countries across four continents during his Man in Motion World Tour.
Rick Hansen has received numerous awards, including the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal, William Van Horne Visionary Award, and the Order of British Columbia, recognizing his outstanding achievements and advocacy efforts.