Former New York Rangers star Ron Duguay has died at the age of 69 following a battle with Stage 4 colon cancer.
Sarah Palin, the former Alaska governor and Republican vice-presidential candidate, announced his death on social media on Thursday, paying tribute to Duguay and describing her heartbreak.
“It’s with a shattered heart, but also deep peace knowing Ron is with Jesus now. He fought so hard. Love never ends,” Palin wrote.
The pair had been closely linked since 2022, with Palin frequently seen supporting Duguay throughout his illness. However, they never publicly confirmed the exact status of their relationship.
New York Rangers Pay Tribute to Former Star
The New York Rangers expressed their condolences following the death of the former forward, describing him as one of the most popular players in the franchise’s history.
The club highlighted Duguay’s distinctive skating style, noting how his flowing hair as he moved across the ice became a memorable feature for fans at Madison Square Garden.
“His skill, tenacity, and charisma earned him the admiration of all New Yorkers,” the Rangers said in a statement.
The organisation also extended its condolences to Duguay’s family, friends and loved ones, joining the wider hockey community in mourning his death.
Family Asked Fans to Pray During Cancer Battle
Duguay was diagnosed with Stage 4 colon cancer in December 2024, with the disease later spreading to his liver.
His family publicly discussed the diagnosis in February and launched a GoFundMe campaign to help cover the cost of his treatment after his illness affected his ability to work.
His daughter, Shay Thomas, explained on the fundraising page that the care Duguay initially received in Florida had nearly cost him his life. He was subsequently moved to Orange County, where Thomas and her sister live, to continue treatment.
Duguay underwent surgery and chemotherapy and received a hepatic pump as part of his treatment. During his illness, he also lost his gallbladder and appendix.
Earlier in October, Thomas appealed to hockey fans to pray for her father, sharing a photograph of herself beside his hospital bed.
“I wasn’t planning on posting anything. but I believe in the power of prayer, and right now, we need all the prayers we can get,” she wrote, asking supporters to keep him in their thoughts.
Palin Shared Hospital Updates Before His Death
Palin also appealed for prayers on October 18, posting a photograph of herself holding Duguay’s hand as he lay in his hospital bed.
“Prayers for Ron Duguay so appreciated,” she wrote on Instagram.
She later shared an inspirational quotation alongside a photograph of herself looking at him.
Palin had remained by Duguay’s side during his treatment, with family videos showing her caring for him in hospital.
Duguay Suffered Serious Medical Complications
In July, Duguay was rushed to hospital after being found unconscious at his home following a fall that caused severe facial injuries.
He fainted at his residence on July 24 and was transported by ambulance to a nearby medical facility.
Medical examinations revealed several serious complications associated with his ongoing cancer battle, including varices, portal hypertensive gastropathy, internal bleeding and an ulcer.
Thomas previously explained that the cancer in her father’s liver, together with the physical effects of surgery, chemotherapy and the hepatic pump, had caused pressure to build up inside the organ. This pressure affected his stomach and contributed to internal bleeding.
Daughter Describes Close Relationship With Sarah Palin
Duguay and his daughter discussed his connection with Palin in an interview with the Daily Mail earlier this year.
Thomas described the pair as “very close” but said they had been unable to spend as much time together because of Duguay’s medical condition and Palin’s responsibilities caring for her son, Trig, who requires additional care.
Duguay also described helping Palin with landscaping during the summer and clearing snow during the winter.
He explained that he had been at her home in October but had to leave because he was not feeling well.
Duguay Built a Distinguished NHL Career
Duguay played 12 seasons in the National Hockey League between 1977 and 1989, becoming particularly well known for his time with the New York Rangers and Detroit Red Wings.
Selected 13th overall by the Rangers in the 1977 draft, he also played for the Pittsburgh Penguins and Los Angeles Kings during his professional career.
He made more than 860 appearances and recorded 216 goals and 320 assists, finishing with 536 career points.
One of his standout campaigns came in the 1981-82 season, when he scored a career-high 40 goals.
His skating ability and distinctive appearance made him a fan favourite in New York, where he became one of the most recognisable figures associated with the Rangers during his playing years.
Former Hockey Star Later Worked in Broadcasting
After retiring from professional hockey, Duguay moved into broadcasting and worked as an in-studio analyst for MSG Network’s coverage of the Rangers.
He spent 12 years in the role before stepping away in 2018.
Duguay is survived by his family, including his daughter Shay Thomas. His death has prompted tributes from the Rangers and members of the hockey community, while Palin remembered him in her announcement as a man who had fought hard throughout his illness.
