Ron Duguay was rushed to the hospital on Friday after being found unconscious at home, a frightening setback in his stage IV colon cancer battle.
According to an update his daughter posted on Instagram, the former NHL standout fainted at home and suffered serious facial injuries in the fall, including several knocked-out teeth. She also shared video from the scene.
“He fainted at home, was unconscious, injured a few parts of his face, and knocked out a few teeth in the fall… this time, it wasn’t from hockey,” she wrote on Instagram.
She added that he was taken by ambulance to the hospital, where doctors determined he was severely dehydrated and had been having trouble eating because of how sick he had felt.
“After extensive testing, doctors found that he was extremely dehydrated and had been struggling to eat because of how sick he had been feeling,” she continued. “They also discovered varices, portal hypertensive gastropathy, internal bleeding, and an ulcer.”
The family said cancer in his liver, combined with previous surgery and chemotherapy, had created dangerous pressure that backed up into his stomach. Duguay is now receiving blood transfusions while doctors monitor him.
His daughter said he remains strong, positive, and full of faith despite the latest scare, and asked for continued prayers as the family waits for more updates.
The hospitalization comes five months after Duguay first made his diagnosis public earlier this year. A GoFundMe was launched to help with medical expenses and travel for treatment.
Former Alaska Governor Sarah Palin has been by his side through much of the process. The two have been linked since 2022, though they have never formally confirmed their relationship status.
Duguay played 12 seasons in the NHL from 1977 to 1989, skating for the New York Rangers, Detroit Red Wings, Pittsburgh Penguins, and Los Angeles Kings. He finished his career with 216 goals, 320 assists, and 536 points.
After retiring, he became a familiar face on MSG Network, where he worked as a Rangers analyst for more than a decade.
The family says it is focused on his recovery and grateful for the support pouring in from the hockey world.
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