Daughter announces Ron Duguay's death as Sarah Palin shares hospital update
Duguay's daughter announced his death, and Sarah Palin published a tribute after requesting prayers from his hospital bedside days earlier.
Event / Society
Ron Duguay Death
Former NHL center Ron Duguay died on October 22, 2026, at age 69 after a battle with colon cancer. His partner, Sarah Palin, and his daughter, Shay Thomas, announced his death. The New York Rangers issued a statement honoring him.
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2026-10-22 to 2026-10-26 · UTC publication dates
Coverage begins 22 Oct, 19:50 UTC
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What happened
Duguay's daughter announces his death
Shay Thomas, Duguay's daughter, announced his death early on October 22, 2026, stating that he died after a hard-fought battle with cancer.
New York Rangers call Duguay one of the most popular players in franchise history
The New York Rangers issued a statement on October 22, 2026, describing Duguay as one of the most popular players in franchise history and citing his skating style, skill, tenacity and personality.
Rangers selected Duguay 13th overall in the 1977 NHL Draft
The New York Rangers selected Ron Duguay with the 13th overall pick in the 1977 NHL Draft.
Palin shared a hospital bedside image and requested prayers days before his death
Days before Duguay died, Sarah Palin shared an image of herself holding his hand while he lay in a hospital bed and asked followers for prayers.
Duguay played 12 NHL seasons for four teams
Duguay played 12 seasons in the NHL with the New York Rangers, Detroit Red Wings, Pittsburgh Penguins and Los Angeles Kings, including a second stint with the Rangers.
Former NHL player Ron Duguay dies at age 69 after cancer battle
Ron Duguay, a former NHL player, died on Thursday, October 22, 2026, at age 69. He had been undergoing treatment for colon cancer that had spread to other parts of his body.
Duguay named an All-Star in the 1981-82 NHL season
Duguay was named an All-Star during the 1981-82 NHL season, a year in which he averaged a point per game.
Sarah Palin publishes tribute to Ron Duguay following his death
Sarah Palin posted a tribute on social media after Duguay's death, writing that she felt a shattered heart and deep peace knowing he was with Jesus, that he had fought hard, and that love never ends.
Sarah Palin and Ron Duguay began dating in 2022
Sarah Palin and Ron Duguay began dating in 2022, and Palin later described him as her longtime partner following his death.
Duguay's daughters launch GoFundMe to cover cancer costs
In February 2026, Duguay's daughters Shay Thomas and Amber Stavros launched a GoFundMe campaign to help with mounting medical costs. The campaign sought to raise $100,000. Duguay had publicly disclosed his cancer diagnosis that month.
Palin shares video of herself feeding Duguay in hospital during chemotherapy
In February 2026, Palin shared a video of herself spoon-feeding Duguay in his hospital bed while he underwent chemotherapy for stage 4 colon cancer.
Duguay and Sarah Palin begin dating in 2022
Duguay and former Alaska governor Sarah Palin began dating in 2022 and maintained a long-distance relationship between his home in Florida and hers in Alaska.
Duguay recorded 340 career NHL points
Duguay accumulated 340 points over his NHL career.
Former NHL player Ron Duguay dies at age 69
Ron Duguay, a former NHL center, died on October 22, 2026, at age 69 after a two-year battle with colon cancer.
New York Rangers issue statement mourning Duguay
The New York Rangers issued a statement calling Duguay one of the most popular players in franchise history and saying his skill, tenacity and charisma earned him the admiration of New Yorkers.
Duguay diagnosed with stage 4 colon cancer
Duguay was diagnosed with stage 4 colon cancer in December 2024. He later disclosed that the cancer had spread to his appendix and gallbladder.
Sarah Palin and Duguay's daughter announce his death on social media
Sarah Palin, Duguay's girlfriend, announced his death on social media, writing that he was with Jesus and that he had fought hard. Duguay's daughter Shay Thomas confirmed the death in a separate post.
Duguay drafted by New York Rangers in 1977 and plays 12 NHL seasons
Duguay was drafted by the New York Rangers in 1977 and played 12 NHL seasons with the Rangers, Detroit Red Wings, Pittsburgh Penguins and Los Angeles Kings. He was born in Ontario, Canada.
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2 alternative perspectives
Ron Duguay's NHL career: a 13th-overall pick who played 12 seasons
Ron Duguay, drafted 13th overall by the Rangers in 1977, played 12 NHL seasons and earned All-Star honors.
Former NHL player Ron Duguay dies at 69 after colon cancer diagnosis
Former NHL player Ron Duguay died at 69 after a stage 4 colon cancer diagnosis; tributes followed.