Ron Duguay’s Daughter Remembers Late NHL Star in Gut-Wrenching Post: ‘Wasn’t Ready for a Life Without You’

Ron Duguay, Shay ThomasCredit: Shay Thomas/InstagramNEED TO KNOWRon Duguay’s daughter is remembering the hockey greatShay Thomas shared a series of photos and videos of her father on Instagram“My heart is so broken that I feel like I can’t breathe half the time,” Thomas wroteShay Thomas is remembering her father, late NHL star Ron Duguay, in the city where his hockey dreams came true.“Welcome to New York, can’t wait to honor Dad in his town,” Thomas wrote on her Instagram Stories on Sunday, Oct. 25.The retired New York Rangers star died on Thursday, Oct. 22, after being diagnosed with stage 4 cancer. He was 69 years old.“It’s with a shattered heart, but also deep peace knowing Ron is with Jesus now,” Sarah Palin, Duguay’s longtime partner, wrote in a social media post Thursday. “He fought so hard. Love never ends.” In a separate message on Instagram, Thomas reflected on the loss of her father in a heartbreaking note, which was written alongside a montage of images and videos of their family from over the years.Ron Duguay, Sarah PalinCredit: Michael Simon/Shutterstock“Oh Dad, 💔💔💔😭😭😭I don’t even know what to say. My heart is so broken that I feel like I can’t breathe half the time 💔,” she wrote. “These last two years have been such an emotional roller coaster, and I have never in my life witnessed someone fight so hard to live. You wanted to be here so badly. You fought with everything you had, not just for yourself, but for all of us.”She added, “I have never known anyone stronger than you. I am so incredibly proud to be your daughter. I love you so much, Dad. I wasn’t ready for a life without you. I don’t think I ever would have been. Until I get to hug you again. ❤️Duguay’s former Rangers team, where he started his NHL career in 1977 and played for a combined eight seasons, released a statement Thursday following his death.Follow your favorite athletes on and off the field with PEOPLE’s free sports newsletter — sign up now!“The New York Rangers organization mourns the loss of Ron Duguay, one of the most popular players in franchise history,” the team said. “Ron’s signature skating style — with his hair flowing as he moved down the ice — captivated The Garden Faithful, and his skill, tenacity, and charisma earned him the admiration of all New Yorkers. We join the hockey community in sending our condolences to Ron’s friends, family, and loved ones during this difficult time.”In February, Thomas and her sister, Amber Stavros, shared that the family had created a GoFundMe for Duguay “because we’ve seen firsthand the weight this battle has placed on him, both physically and financially.”The former NHL All-Star was first diagnosed with cancer over a year ago. He told Page Six the cancer originated in his colon and later spread to his appendix and gallbladder.“I find it extremely hard asking for funds for all these costs I’m going through,” Duguay told the New York Post at the time. “Normally, I’m helping others.”Read the original article on People