Former New York Rangers star Ron Duguay has died. The late hockey player was 69 years old.
Duguay’s death was announced on Thursday, October 22, by his children and girlfriend, former Alaska governor and VP candidate Sarah Palin, in a shared Instagram post with the caption, “Our hearts are broken. We love you forever, Dad.” The photo of Duguay that accompanied the caption included additional information, stating, “Ron Duguay passed away peacefully on October 22, 2026 after a hard fought battle with cancer. A celebration of life will be announced at a later date.”
The former athlete had been diagnosed with stage IV colon cancer over a year ago, and it had reportedly spread to his liver.
Since his death was announced, Duguay’s daughter, Shay Thomas took to Instagram to share her own tribute on her stories, as she wrote, “I love you so much, Dad. My heart is broken, but I know Jesus has you now. Until I see you again.”
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Palin also reposted the group tribute to Duguay with the words, “It’s with a shattered heart, but also deep peace knowing Ron is with Jesus now. He fought so hard. Love never ends.”
When Duguay was diagnosed and undergoing treatment, his daughters launched a GoFundMe to raise money as he traveled between Florida and Orange County during his medical journey. In a new update on the page from Duguay’s other daughter, Amber Stavros, she wrote, “From the bottom of our hearts, thank you for the overwhelming love, prayers, and support you have shown our father and our family throughout these past two incredibly difficult years.”
Sarah Palin via Instagram; Shay Thomas via Instagram
“Early this morning, our beloved father took his final breath after fighting a long and courageous battle,” she continued. “He fought with everything he had, right until the very end. The outpouring of love and kindness you have shown him has been beyond anything we could have ever imagined. It is a true testament to the incredible man he was and the countless lives he touched.”
Along with Thomas and Stavros, Duguay leaves behind a son, Noah Duguay, along with several grandchildren.
Before his relationship with Palin, Duguay had been married twice, first to Robin Bobo, and then to Kim Alexis, whom he was married to until 2016. Duguay began dating Palin in 2022. Along with having played for the New York Rangers, the former NHL star also played with the Pittsburgh Penguins, Los Angeles Kings, and Detroit Red Wings, among others.
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