Rangers Legend Ron Duguay Dies at 69 After Colon Cancer Battle
Former NHL star Ron Duguay, whose long battle with colon cancer became public in February, has died at 69; his partner Sarah Palin confirmed the news Thursday.
The hockey world lost one of its familiar faces on Thursday. Former NHL forward Ronald Duguay died peacefully on October 22, 2026, after a battle with colon cancer. He was 69.
The news was confirmed by Sarah Palin, the former Alaska governor who had been Duguay's partner since 2022, in a joint Instagram post with his family. "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. A celebration of life will be announced at a later date.
Duguay played professional hockey from 1977 to 1989, spending most of his career with the New York Rangers before also skating for the Detroit Red Wings. He and Palin began their relationship in 2022, two years before doctors discovered his illness. The family made his stage 4 colon cancer diagnosis public in February after months of private treatment.
Four days before his death, Palin had asked fans for their prayers as Duguay battled in a hospital. His children shared their own message of faith just days earlier.
Duguay is survived by his daughters, Shay Thomas and Amber Stavros, and his son, Noah Duguay.