Ron Duguay hospitalized after collapse amid Stage 4 cancer treatment

Last updated: July 29, 2026

Former Canadian NHL star Ron Duguay was hospitalized after collapsing at his home on Friday, July 24, according to his daughter, Shay Thomas. The 69-year-old lost consciousness, suffered facial injuries and knocked out several teeth in the fall. Doctors later found severe dehydration, internal bleeding, varices, portal hypertensive gastropathy and an ulcer, while his family said he remains admitted and is receiving blood transfusions.

The Story at a Glance

Duguay's collapse came during treatment for Stage 4 colon cancer that his family announced publicly in February. Thomas said he had been feeling sick and struggling to eat before he fainted. Testing in hospital identified internal bleeding and pressure-related complications involving his liver and stomach, making the episode more serious than the injuries caused by the fall itself.

His family says he is being closely monitored and has received blood transfusions. A fundraiser created to help cover treatment and travel costs had raised more than $160,000 by Tuesday morning, according to the Sudbury Star report.

How the Story Developed

Duguay was diagnosed with colon cancer more than a year ago, and the diagnosis was publicly disclosed in February as Stage 4 disease. His treatment has included surgery and chemotherapy, and reports say his appendix and gallbladder were removed during the course of care. He has also been travelling for treatment, with family members saying care in Orange County, California, requires regular trips from Florida.

On July 24, Duguay fainted at home and was found unconscious. Thomas said he injured parts of his face and knocked out teeth before being taken by ambulance to hospital. Videos shared with the family update showed him being moved into an ambulance and later through a hospital corridor on a stretcher.

After extensive testing, doctors found dehydration, an ulcer and internal bleeding. The family said the cancer affecting his liver, combined with the strain of surgery, chemotherapy and a treatment pump, had increased pressure inside the liver. That pressure, Thomas said, can move back toward the stomach and contribute to bleeding.

He is still admitted to the hospital and receiving blood transfusions while the doctors continue to monitor him closely.

Key People and Details

Duguay is best known in Canada for his junior career with the Sudbury Wolves and for a 12-season NHL run from 1977 to 1989. He played parts of eight seasons with the New York Rangers, who selected him 13th overall in the 1977 NHL Draft. He also suited up for the Detroit Red Wings, Pittsburgh Penguins and Los Angeles Kings.

Across his NHL career, Duguay recorded 274 goals and 346 assists for 620 points in 864 regular-season games. He helped the Rangers reach the 1979 Stanley Cup Final and made his lone NHL All-Star appearance in 1982. Before that, he had been one of the Sudbury Wolves' standout players, including a 134-point season in 1975-76.

After retiring, he worked as an analyst for MSG Network from 2007 to 2018. His daughter has been the main public source of updates during the current hospitalization, sharing information about his condition, treatment and the family's fundraising effort.

Reaction and Response

The public response has centred on support for Duguay and his family. Donations to the fundraiser surpassed $160,000, with the money intended to help with medical care, frequent travel and other treatment-related costs. Thomas thanked people who had reached out and asked supporters to keep her father in their prayers.

Duguay has also shown flashes of humour despite the seriousness of the episode. In an Instagram Story, he posted a photo showing his missing teeth and the teeth found on the floor, writing that he had found them in his bedroom. His family described him as positive and in good spirits while doctors continue to monitor him.

What to Watch

The next medical updates are expected to focus on whether the internal bleeding is controlled, how Duguay responds to transfusions and what further evaluation shows about the ulcer. His family has also identified liver pressure as a major concern, alongside his ability to eat and stay hydrated during treatment.

For Canadian hockey fans, particularly in Sudbury, the story carries a strong local connection. Duguay remains one of the best-known players produced by the Wolves, and the current setback has renewed attention on both his junior legacy and the financial strain that can accompany long-term cancer care.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why was Ron Duguay hospitalized?

He was hospitalized after fainting at home and losing consciousness. Doctors found severe dehydration, internal bleeding, varices, portal hypertensive gastropathy and an ulcer.

What type of cancer does Ron Duguay have?

His family says he has Stage 4 colon cancer that is affecting his liver.

Is Ron Duguay still in hospital?

Yes. The latest family update said he remained admitted, was receiving blood transfusions and was being closely monitored.

How is Ron Duguay connected to Canada?

Duguay is Canadian and played four years with the Sudbury Wolves before an NHL career that included the New York Rangers, Detroit Red Wings, Pittsburgh Penguins and Los Angeles Kings.

What happens next in his treatment?

Doctors are monitoring the bleeding and liver pressure, while the ulcer still requires further evaluation. The family has said it will continue sharing updates.