Beloved HGTV host Loren Ruch dead at 55: Emmy award winner passes away

Daily Mail​

11 hours ago

HGTV Content Chief Loren Ruch has reportedly died at the age of 55.
According to The Hollywood Reporter, Ruch had been battling acute myeloid leukemia, a blood cancer that starts in the bone marrow.
His mom told TMZ that he was cancer-free at the time of his death, and passed of pneumonia, which he caught after he was hospitalized for a bowel blockage.
During his time at HGTV, Ruch was an enthusiastic and well-known co-host for HGTV House Party, and was a producer for and HGTV Dream Home and HGTV Green Home, among other titles.
In recent years, as the head of content at the network, Ruch managed the programming of a number of hit shows, like My Lottery Dream Home, Barbie Dreamhouse Challenge, and Celebrity IOU.
The beloved host had been a part of the company since 2008, and was named as the head of content in January 2023.
Before that, he also had served as the VP of development and programming for HGTV, DIY Network and Great American Country.
Ruch was an accomplished producer even before his time at HGTV, working as the senior producer of morning news shows Good Day LA and Good Day Live.
He was the recipient of five Emmy Awards for his outstanding work.
In a email to Warner Bros. Discovery staff obtained by The Daily Mail, the company's chairperson, Channing Dungey, remembered Ruch for his 'endless kindess' and 'unshakeable integrity.'
'Throughout his three-decade career, Loren was the rare leader who lifted everyone around him,' Dungey wrote.
'Known for his unwavering dedication, endless kindness, and unshakeable integrity, Loren built not only hit shows but enduring relationships, serving as mentor, advocate and true friend to countless colleagues across the television landscape,' the message continued.
'His impact stretched far beyond the screen. Loren was the connective tissue of every room he entered — the glue that bound teams, departments, and friendships,' the email read.
'He possessed the rare gift of making people feel seen, valued, and inspired to do their best work.'
Dungey also shared that Ruch's work was never about the 'ratings' or 'accolades,' but instead the 'people' that he worked with.
'He built teams that became families, forged friendships that lasted lifetimes, and leaves behind a legacy of creativity, compassion, and joy,' he wrote
'For those of us lucky enough to have known and loved Loren, the things we remember, and cherish go far beyond his professional accomplishments... Loren's light touched everyone lucky enough to know him.
'Though gone too soon, he leaves behind a lasting imprint on both the television industry and the lives of those who loved him.'
The HGTV host also served as a board member for Live Out Loud, a nonprofit organization dedicated to serving lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and questioning (LGBTQ+) youth.
He is survived by his husband, David Salas, as well as his mother, father and brother.