a day ago
Loren Ruch's husband David Salas' heartbreaking post just a week before death of HGTV star
Just one week before beloved HGTV Content Chief Loren Ruch passed away at age 55, his longtime husband, David Salas, posted an emotional tribute in honor of their wedding anniversary.
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.
On Thursday, it was announced that the exec had passed away. He had been bravely battling acute myeloid leukemia over the past few years, a blood cancer that starts in the bone marrow.
His mom has since 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.
But on June 5, his husband shared a post for his husband, as he remembered their 2004 wedding anniversary.
'06, 05, 2004… 3,2,1… was the one of the BEST days in my life it was our wedding day 21 years ago and together 27 year!' Salas wrote in the caption.
'It's the day that I got to marry my best friend, @lorenruch who is still my best friend to this day! Here are some OG photos that were taken on @kodak film!' the message continued.
'Here's to many more amazing years ahead! I Love You!'
'06, 05, 2004… 3,2,1… was the one of the BEST days in my life it was our wedding day 21 years ago and together 27 year!' Salas wrote in the caption
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
The social media post included a carousel of photos from their big day, which were taken with black-and-white film.
Many of the photos showed the two lovingly gazing at each other, while others celebrated the fun day with their friends and family.
He also included a snapshot of their wedding cake, which was constructed of cupcakes, and an adorable groom-and-groom wedding topper.
In the comments section, many shared their love for the couple, including Food Network Chef Gabe Bertaccini and Egypt Sherrod.
Ruch's husband has not yet made a public statement following his death.
Tributes from members of the HGTV family poured in following the news of his passing.
The beloved host had been a part of the company since 2008, and was named as the head of content in January 2023.
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.
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,' she 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.
In addition to his husband, Ruch is also survived by his mother, father and brother.
