Pittsburgh Great Rushed To Hospital In Heartbreaking Development

Deck: Ron Duguay's recent health crisis underscores the serious challenges he's facing in his battle with cancer, even as he remains optimistic with the support of loved ones, including Sarah Palin.

Ron Duguay was rushed to the hospital on Friday after being found unconscious at home following a fall that left him with serious facial injuries and several knocked-out teeth.

His daughter shared the update on social media, posting video from the scene and describing what happened. “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.

“He was taken by ambulance to the hospital. 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, along with prior surgery and chemotherapy, created dangerous pressure that backed up into his stomach. Duguay is now receiving blood transfusions while doctors monitor his condition.

His daughter said he remains strong, positive, and full of faith despite the setback, and asked for continued prayers while promising more updates. The family also expressed gratitude for the support they have received.

Duguay’s latest hospital stay comes five months after he first made his stage IV colon cancer diagnosis public earlier this year. A GoFundMe was launched to help with mounting medical bills and travel for treatment.

Former Alaska Governor Sarah Palin has been by his side throughout much of the treatment 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 with 216 goals and 320 assists for 536 points. After his playing career, he spent more than a decade as a popular Rangers analyst on MSG Network.

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