Ron Duguay, Former NHL Star and Sarah Palin’s Boyfriend, Dies at 69Anna
Ron Duguay has died, according to his partner, Sarah Palin
The retired NHL star had been diagnosed with stage 4 colon cancer
Duguay shared his diagnosis in February, when his family began a GoFundMe for his medical costs
Retired New York Rangers star Ron Duguay has died at the age of 69, according to his longtime partner, Sarah Palin.
Duguay, who was diagnosed with stage 4 colon cancer over a year ago, died on Thursday, Oct. 22, Palin confirmed on her Instagram Stories.
“It’s with a shattered heart, but also deep peace knowing Ron is with Jesus now,” Palin, 62, wrote. “He fought so hard. Love never ends.”
Duguay’s death comes days after the former governor of Alaska shared a photo on Instagram of herself holding Duguay’s hand while he lay in his hospital bed.
“Prayers for Ron Duguay so appreciated,” Palin wrote about her boyfriend of four years.
The former hockey star’s cancer had spread to his liver, according to the New York Post.
Ron Duguay and Sarah Palin in 2024.Credit: Adela Loconte/Shutterstock
Palin wrote in her post that a celebration of Duguay’s life “will be announced at a later date.”
Duguay’s former team, the Rangers, shared a statement in the wake of his death on Thursday.
“The New York Rangers organization mourns the loss of Ron Duguay, one of the most popular players in franchise history,” the team said. “Ron’s signature skating style - with his hair flowing as he moved down the ice - captivated The Garden Faithful, and his skill, tenacity, and charisma earned him the admiration of all New Yorkers. We join the hockey community in sending our condolences to Ron’s friends, family, and loved ones during this difficult time.”
In February, the NHL legend’s daughters, Shay Thomas and Amber Stavros, shared that Duguay’s family had created a GoFundMe for him “because we’ve seen firsthand the weight this battle has placed on him, both physically and financially.”
“Our dad has never been someone who asks for help,” Thomas wrote. “Especially when it comes to money. He has always tried to handle everything on his own and didn’t want to burden anyone else with what he’s going through. But after many conversations as a family, we decided to create this fundraiser for him because we’ve seen firsthand the weight this battle has placed on him, both physically and financially.”
Duguay previously told Page Six that the cancer originated in his colon and has spread to his appendix and gallbladder.
“I find it extremely hard asking for funds for all these costs I’m going through,” Duguay told the outlet. “Normally, I’m helping others.”
Ron DuguayCredit: GoFundMe
He added that cancer “sucks the life out of you,” and is “so freaking costly.”
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Duguay’s daughters — whom he shares with ex-wife Robin Bobo — explained in the GoFundMe description that he has not “been able to work the way he normally would, yet continues to fight with everything he has.”
The Ontario, Canada, native was receiving treatment in California at the time but continued to live in Florida.
Duguay spent 12 seasons in the NHL from 1977-1988, playing for the Rangers, Detroit Red Wings, Los Angeles Kings and Pittsburgh Penguins.
Before his relationship with Palin, Duguay was married to model Kim Alexis from 1993 to 2016. They share a 32-year-old son, Noah.
Source: Sports
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