Heartbreak and Tributes: HGTV Star Loren Ruch's Husband Mourns His Passing
HGTV Suffers a Devastating Loss: Beloved Host Loren Ruch Passes Away at 55
In a shocking and heartbreaking turn of events, Loren Ruch, the charismatic and influential host of HGTV's House Party, has left behind his family, friends, and millions of fans in the entertainment industry. The news of his passing has sent shockwaves through the television landscape, leaving everyone who knew him grappling with the loss.
Just one week ago, on June 5th, Ruch's husband, David Salas, took to social media to celebrate their 21-year milestone wedding anniversary with a heartwarming tribute post. The loving couple had been together for an impressive 27 years, and their bond was evident in every photo they shared.
In the caption of his Instagram post, Salas wrote: "06, 05, 2004… 3,2,1… was one of the BEST days in my life - it was our wedding day! 21 years ago and together for 27 years!" He continued, "It's the day that I got to marry my best friend, @lorenruch who is still my best friend to this day!"
The sentimental post included a series of black-and-white photos taken on Kodak film, showcasing their joyous wedding day. The couple was seen gazing lovingly into each other's eyes, surrounded by friends and family. One photo even caught the attention of fans, featuring an adorable groom-and-groom wedding topper perched atop their multi-tiered cupcake wedding cake.
The comments section flooded with tributes from well-wishers, including Food Network Chef Gabe Bertaccini and HGTV's own Egypt Sherrod. However, amidst all the love and admiration pouring in for the couple, one thing was clear - Loren Ruch will be deeply missed by everyone who had the privilege of knowing him.
A Life Cut Short
According to sources close to the family, Ruch passed away on Thursday at the age of 55, leaving behind a legacy that will be cherished by his loved ones and fans for years to come. The cause of death was revealed to be pneumonia, which he contracted after being hospitalized for a bowel blockage.
However, what's most poignant is that Ruch had been battling acute myeloid leukemia (AML), a blood cancer that affects the bone marrow, over the past few years. Despite his ongoing health struggles, he continued to work with unwavering dedication and passion, leaving an indelible mark on the television industry.
A Trailblazer in Every Sense
Ruch's career was nothing short of remarkable. As the head of content at HGTV since January 2023, he played a crucial role in shaping some of the network's most beloved shows, including My Lottery Dream Home and Barbie Dreamhouse Challenge. His impressive resume also boasted stints as VP of development and programming for HGTV, DIY Network, and Great American Country.
But what set Ruch apart was his commitment to making television more inclusive and representative. He worked tirelessly to promote diversity and representation on screen, often taking on behind-the-scenes roles that allowed him to shape the narrative and create meaningful content.
A Champion of LGBTQ+ Rights
Ruch's dedication to social causes extended far beyond his work in television. He was a board member for Live Out Loud, a non-profit organization dedicated to supporting lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and questioning (LGBTQ+) youth. This commitment speaks volumes about the kind of person he was - compassionate, empathetic, and unafraid to use his platform to make a difference.
Tributes Pour in
As news of Ruch's passing spread like wildfire through the entertainment industry, tributes began pouring in from colleagues, friends, and fans alike. In an email obtained by The Scholarly Note (formerly Daily Mail), Warner Bros. Discovery chairperson Channing Dungey remembered Ruch for his "endless kindness" 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."
In a poignant conclusion to her email, Dungey noted that Ruch's impact extended far beyond the screen. "He possessed the rare gift of making people feel seen, valued, and inspired to do their best work."
