The HGTV family is mourning one of their most beloved members. As E! Online reports, Loren Ruch, who served as the network’s head of content as well as co-hosted the 2021 series HGTV’s House Party alongside Brian Balthazar, died at age 55, according to an internal memo from Warner Bros. Television Group chairman Channing Dungey.
“It is with incredible sadness that I write to tell you about the loss of one of our beloved colleagues,” Dungey said in the memo obtained byToday.com. “Loren Ruch passed away this morning, June 12, 2025, surrounded by his husband and dear friends, following a courageous battle with acute myeloid leukemia.” Dungey went on to highlight Ruch’s career of more than 30 years, describing him as “the rare leader who lifted everyone around him.”
“Loren built not only hit shows but enduring relationships, serving as mentor, advocate and true friend to countless colleagues across the television landscape,” she 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. 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.”
According to the American Cancer Society, acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is a leukemia that starts in the bone marrow and typically moves into the blood. The disease, which is one of the most common forms of leukemia in adults, tends to progress quickly and usually requires immediate treatment.
Even though Ruch’s long battle with the disease contributed to his untimely and tragic passing, according to a TMZ report, Ruch ultimately died of pneumonia. Dolly Norris, Loren’s mother, told TMZ that the HGTV fixture was diagnosed with acute myeloid leukemia about a year ago, and treatment for the cancer left him with a weakened immune system. He was hospitalized a few months back for a bowel blockage — and he then caught pneumonia, which ultimately was his cause of death. Dolly said he was technically cancer-free at the time of his death.
Loren’s passing is even more devastating for the family, as just a few weeks ago he seemed to be on the road to recovery … but, Dolly says, he took a turn for the worse and his health declined quickly — including a lung collapsing. Loren’s mother told TMZ that he was also the most humble of people … and he lit up every room he was in — and that’s why Dolly has been inundated with texts and calls about his passing.
In the wake of Ruch’s passing, several HGTV personalities have honored his memory on social media including Christina Haack, who called him “one of the rare ones and the real ones…. Everyone adored you,” she wrote on her Instagram Stories alongside a photo of herself and Ruch. “You are loved by so many and will be missed dearly.”
Jonathan Scott also shared a pic of himself and fiancée Zooey Deschanel having dinner with Ruch and his husband David Salas, along with emotional tribute to the late TV executive. “Struggling with the loss of my friend tonight,” he wrote in an Instagram Stories post. “Loren, you’re one of the great ones.”
According to The Daily Mail UK, just one week before the beloved HGTV Content Chief passed away at age 55, his longtime husband of over two decades, David Salas, posted an emotional tribute in honor of their 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!’
The beloved host had been a part of the HGTV family 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, A Very Brady Renovation, 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.
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.
Loren Ruch is survived by his husband, David Salas; his mother Dolly; his brother, Geoffrey, his father, Larry; and his stepfather, Will Waterman.
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