Loren Ruch, HGTV star, dies at 55 after leukemia battle: reports
Loren Ruch, head of content for HGTV and co-host of 'HGTV House Party," has died at age 55, according to reports.
Variety and TODAY report that he died on June 12 of acute myeloid leukemia, citing a memo from Channing Dungey, chair of Warner Bros. Television Group, the parent company of HGTV.
'Loren was the rare leader who lifted everyone around him,' Dungey wrote to Warner Bros. staff members. 'Loren built not only hit shows but enduring relationships, serving as mentor, advocate and true friend to countless colleagues across the television landscape. 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.'
Her statement continued, 'Though gone too soon, he leaves behind a lasting imprint on both the television industry and the lives of those who loved him.'
USA TODAY has reached out to Warner Bros. Television group for comment.
As head of content at HGTV, Ruch oversaw various game, daytime talk and morning talk shows, including 'Celebrity IOU,' 'A Very Brady Renovation,' 'Property Brothers: Forever Home,' 'My Lottery Dream Home' and 'Extreme Makeover: Home Edition.' In his long career in television, Ruch also worked within the Discovery network on the Food Network, Travel Channel, DIY Network, Cooking Channel and Great American Country.
Ruch was also a board member for the nonprofit organization Live Out Loud, which aimed to support LGBTQ+ youth by connecting them with resources, role models and opportunities within their community.
Live Out Loud shared a statement on Instagram on June 13 in memory of Ruch: 'Loren Ruch was truly an extraordinary soul, and his passion and commitment to Live Out Loud will never be forgotten… He returned to his hometown high school to share his story, offering encouragement and hope to students who needed to see someone like him—someone who had walked a path of resilience and acceptance.'
The statement concluded, 'Loren's legacy will live on in the lives of the countless LGBTQ+ youth he inspired, and in the hearts of all who had the privilege to know him. He will be missed more than words can express, but his light will continue to shine through the work we do in his honor.'
More: James Van Der Beek, Jenna Fischer and the rise of young people getting cancer
Ruch first shared his 'personal journey' with his fans in April 2024, disclosing on Instagram that he had been diagnosed with leukemia two months prior.
'It's a very raw and unexpected adventure, and not one I was initially planning to share, but I genuinely believe that the power of my beautiful community of family and friends is going to be what ultimately gets me through this chapter of my life,' he wrote.
Ruch is survived by his husband, David Salas, as well as his parents and brother.
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