Former New York Rangers star Ron Duguay has been hospitalized after a frightening medical emergency at home left him unconscious, injured and missing several teeth amid his ongoing battle with Stage 4 colon cancer.

Duguay, 69, who has been romantically linked to former Alaska governor Sarah Palin, reportedly fainted at home on Friday and suffered severe facial injuries in the fall. His daughter, Shay Thomas, revealed the scare in an emotional Instagram update, sharing that her father was taken away by ambulance after the terrifying incident.

She said Duguay injured parts of his face and knocked out teeth in the fall, adding that this time, unlike during his hockey career, the damage did not happen on the ice.

Doctors later found that the former NHL player was extremely dehydrated and had been struggling to eat because of how sick he had been feeling, according to his daughter. Medical testing also revealed varices, portal hypertensive gastropathy, internal bleeding and an ulcer.

Thomas explained that the cancer in Duguay’s liver, combined with the physical toll of surgery, chemotherapy and a hepatic pump, had created pressure inside the organ. That pressure then backed up into his stomach, leading to internal bleeding.

Duguay remained hospitalized while receiving blood transfusions as doctors continued to monitor him closely.

Despite the alarming setback, his family says he is staying positive.

“Through it all, our dad remains strong, positive, and trusting God every step of the way,” Thomas wrote, asking supporters to keep him in their prayers.

The health scare comes months after Duguay publicly revealed his Stage 4 colon cancer diagnosis. His illness reportedly began after he felt unwell in October 2024 while helping Palin at her Alaska home. Duguay later said he had been there to assist with outdoor chores, including landscaping in the summer and snow clearing in the winter, but had to leave after realizing he was not feeling like himself.

Testing later confirmed that he was battling advanced cancer.

Duguay’s daughter previously said her father and Palin are “very close,” though the couple has not been able to spend as much time together lately because of his illness and Palin’s family responsibilities, including caring for her son Trig.

The former Rangers fan favorite has endured an intense medical fight since his diagnosis, including major treatment and the loss of both his gallbladder and appendix. His family also launched a GoFundMe to help cover expenses and possible alternative treatment options.

The fundraiser initially set a goal of $26,000, but has since raised more than $111,000 as fans, friends and supporters rally around the retired hockey star.

Thomas said her father had never wanted to talk publicly about the financial strain of his illness, but the family could see how much the fight was weighing on him. With his numbers rising again, she said they felt they had to ask for help after so many people wanted to know what they could do.

For now, Duguay remains under medical care as his loved ones continue asking for prayers during what has become another painful chapter in his cancer battle.