Former NHL player Ron Duguay dies at 69 after a bout with cancer

Ron Duguay, a former New York Rangers star and Sarah Palin's boyfriend, passed away at the age of 69, confirming his partner's statement on Instagram. Palin expressed her sorrow, saying, "It's with a shattered heart, but also deep peace knowing Ron is with Jesus now. He fought so hard. Love never ends." The political commentator and former 2008 Republican vice presidential candidate had previously shared a photo of herself holding Duguay's hand in a hospital bed, asking for prayers.

Duguay's death came over a year after he was diagnosed with stage 4 colon cancer. His daughters, Shay Thomas and Amber Stavros, launched a GoFundMe campaign to support him financially as the battle with cancer took a toll on him, both physically and financially. In February, Duguay revealed that his cancer had spread to his appendix and gallbladder, expressing the significant financial burden it imposed on him.

Born in Ontario, Canada, Duguay had a 12-year NHL career from 1977 to 1988, playing for the Rangers, Detroit Red Wings, Los Angeles Kings, and Pittsburgh Penguins. He and Palin began dating in 2022, following two previous marriages each. The Rangers honored Duguay with a tribute, acknowledging his popular status in franchise history and his unique skating style, skill, tenacity, and charisma.