Sarah Palin has announced the death of former NHL star Ron Duguay, her longtime companion, who died aged 69 after battling Stage 4 colon cancer.
The former Alaska governor and Republican vice-presidential candidate shared the news on social media on Thursday, October 22, expressing her grief while reflecting on her faith.
“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.
Palin Sought Prayers for Duguay Days Before His Death
Palin, 62, had recently asked supporters to pray for Duguay as his health deteriorated.
On October 18, she posted a photograph of herself holding his hand while he lay in a hospital bed.
“Prayers for Ron Duguay so appreciated,” she wrote on Instagram.
She also shared an inspirational quotation alongside a photograph of herself looking at him.
Duguay’s daughter, Shay Thomas, made a similar appeal earlier in October, asking hockey fans and others who cared about her father to continue praying for him.
“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,” Thomas wrote.
“And I know so many love him so much. Please keep our dad in your prayers.”
Her message accompanied a photograph showing her kneeling beside her father’s hospital bed with her hand resting on his lap.
Former Rangers Star Was Diagnosed With Advanced Cancer
Duguay was diagnosed with Stage 4 colon cancer in December 2024.
The disease subsequently spread to his liver, and his treatment included surgery and chemotherapy.
His family publicly disclosed the diagnosis in February and established a GoFundMe campaign to help cover the costs associated with his care.
Thomas explained on the fundraising page that her father’s illness had prevented him from working as he normally would.
“Because of his cancer, he hasn’t been able to work the way he normally would,” she wrote.
She also described difficulties with his initial treatment in Florida, which she said nearly cost him his life.
The family subsequently arranged for him to receive care in Orange County, California, where she and her sister live.
According to Thomas, the cancer in his liver, combined with surgery, chemotherapy and the use of a hepatic pump, contributed to increased pressure inside the organ.
The complications affected his stomach and resulted in internal bleeding.
Duguay also lost his gallbladder and appendix while undergoing treatment.
Duguay Was Hospitalised After Collapsing at Home
In July, Duguay was taken to hospital after he was found unconscious at his home following a fall that left him with serious facial injuries.
The former hockey player reportedly fainted on July 24 and was transported by ambulance to a nearby medical facility.
Extensive medical examinations identified several serious complications associated with his ongoing cancer battle, including varices, portal hypertensive gastropathy, internal bleeding and an ulcer.
His deteriorating health prompted further concern from his family and supporters, who continued to share messages requesting prayers during his treatment.
Palin and Duguay Had Been Closely Linked Since 2022
Palin and Duguay had been linked since 2022, with the former governor frequently seen supporting him throughout his illness.
Family videos also showed her caring for him in hospital, including feeding him while he lay in bed.
However, the pair never publicly confirmed the exact status of their relationship.
Earlier this year, Duguay and his daughter discussed their connection with Palin in an interview with the Daily Mail.
Thomas described the pair as “very close” but explained that his illness and Palin’s family responsibilities had limited the time they could spend together.
She also noted that Palin had obligations involving her son, Trig, who requires additional care.
Duguay described his visits to Palin’s home, explaining that he helped with landscaping during the summer and cleared snow in winter.
“I go there at different times,” he said. “I help with her landscaping in the summer, and I help in the winter clearing a little bit of snow, so I happened to be there in October… but unfortunately, I wasn’t feeling myself, so I had to leave.”
Duguay Became a Fan Favourite During 12 NHL Seasons
Duguay played 12 seasons in the National Hockey League between 1977 and 1989, becoming particularly associated with the New York Rangers and Detroit Red Wings.
The Rangers selected him 13th overall in the 1977 NHL Draft, beginning a professional career that also included spells with the Pittsburgh Penguins and Los Angeles Kings.
Across more than 860 appearances, the forward recorded 216 goals and 320 assists, finishing with 536 career points.
His most productive season came in 1981–82, when he scored a career-high 40 goals.
His distinctive skating style and flowing hair made him a recognisable figure among Rangers supporters at Madison Square Garden.
The Rangers paid tribute to their former player following news of his death.
“The New York Rangers organization mourns the loss of Ron Duguay, one of the most popular players in franchise history,” the team said in a statement.
“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.”
The organisation also extended its condolences to his friends, family and loved ones.
“We join the hockey community in sending our condolences to Ron’s friends, family, and loved ones during this difficult time,” the statement added.
Duguay Continued in Hockey Broadcasting After Retirement
After retiring from professional hockey, Duguay moved into broadcasting and became an in-studio analyst for MSG Network’s coverage of the New York Rangers.
He spent 12 years working in that role before stepping away in 2018.
His death at 69 marks the end of a career that included more than a decade in the NHL, followed by years covering the sport he had played professionally.
