In 2010, Duke Boeser was diagnosed with Parkinson's disease before undergoing treatment for lung cancer in 2017. The cancer returned in the summer of 2020, as he was undergoing treatment for the cancer, he suffered a heart attack.
Boeser has shared in the past that his father is not only his best friend but also his biggest fan. As a fan we appreciate Boeser being open and sharing this painful struggle. We often forget the human element that is involved with these players and this is just a reminder of how off ice issues can impact a player's performance on the ice.