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Former NHL All-Star Ron Duguay dies at 69 after bout with cancer

Former New York Rangers star Ron Duguay died Thursday at 69 following a battle with stage 4 colon cancer. A team spokesperson confirmed Duguay's family informed the Rangers of his passing.
Selected 13th in the 1977 draft, Duguay played nearly 1,000 games in the NHL across his career. The Rangers called him "one of the most popular players in franchise history," with his signature skating style captivating the Garden Faithful.
Sarah Palin, former Alaska Governor and his partner of four years, shared news of his death on social media, writing, "It's with a shattered heart but also deep peace knowing Ron is with Jesus now." She said he died after a "hard fought" battle.
Duguay's daughter, Shay Thomas, confirmed his death Thursday. Days before, Palin had shared an image holding his hand in the hospital, asking followers for prayers as his condition worsened.
The hockey community continues to mourn the player whose death joins celebrity losses reported throughout 2026. Palin indicated a celebration of Duguay's life would be announced later.

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Los Angeles Times

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Ron Duguay, charismatic New York Rangers star who finished NHL career with Kings, dies at 69

Ron Duguay, a longtime New York Rangers star who finished his NHL career with the Kings, has died of cancer.

2 hours ago·El Segundo, United States

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Ilta-Sanomat

Center

Rangers Legend Dies – Dated Sarah Palin

The New York Rangers had a touching tribute to their former star.

5 hours ago·Helsinki, Finland

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Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

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Ron Duguay, former Penguins forward who played in over 1,000 NHL games, dies at 69

NEW YORK — Ron Duguay, whose long, wavy hair made him stick out on the ice during an era when helmets were not mandatory in hockey and who played...

5 hours ago·Pittsburgh, United States

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The Cut

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Sarah Palin Is ‘Shattered’ After the Death of Her Boyfriend

Sarah Palin’s boyfriend, retired NHL star Ron Duguay, died on Thursday after being diagnosed with stage-four cancer in 2024.

5 hours ago

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Sports Illustrated

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NY Rangers Former Forward Ron Duguay Passes Away at 69

Former New York Rangers forward Ron Duguay was battling cancer and passed away at 69 years old.

5 hours ago·New York, United States

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Newser

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Ex-NHL Star Ron Duguay, Boyfriend of Sarah Palin, Dies

Ron Duguay, a formation NHL star and the boyfriend of Sarah Palin, has died at age 69 from cancer. "He thought so hard," Palin wrote on Instagram, adding that a memorial will be announced later. Duguay had stage 4 colon cancer, which had spread to his liver, reports People. The...

6 hours ago·Miami, United States

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