Gonzalo Marroquin/Getty Loren Ruch, co-host of the 2021 seriesHGTV House Partyand served as HGTV's head of content, has died at age 55 According to reports, Ruch died Thursday, June 12, of acute myeloid leukemia A memo sent by Channing Dungey, chair of Warner Bros. Television Group, said Ruch was "known for his unwavering dedication, endless kindness and unshakeable integrity" Loren Ruch, who co-hosted the 2021 seriesHGTV House Partyand served as HGTV's head of content, has died at age 55. Varietyreports that Ruch died Thursday, June 12, of acute myeloid leukemia. The outlet cited a memo sent by Channing Dungey, chair of Warner Bros. Television Group, that said Ruch was "known for his unwavering dedication, endless kindness and unshakeable integrity." "Loren was 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," Dungey, 56, wrote. Her statement 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." HGTV/Max.com "For those of us lucky enough to have known and loved Loren, the things we remember and cherish go far beyond his professional accomplishments," Dungey wrote. "We warmly recall the way he supported his team and his colleagues, celebrating their victories and lending a sympathetic ear when things were difficult. 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." Never miss a story — sign up forPEOPLE's free daily newsletterto stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories. Ruch had been with HGTV as a top programming executive since 2008 and had, during his tenure, overseen the production of series likeHGTV Dream Home,White House Christmas, andA Very Brady Renovation. Since his death was announced, a number of HGTV stars have paid tribute to Ruch.Queer EyealumBobby Berk, who has appeared onRock the Blockas a celebrity judge, shared a photo onInstagram, alongside the caption, "RIP my friend. You were always such a warm light in a dark world and will be missed by so many 💔." Help! I Wrecked My Househost Jasmine Roth shared alengthy tributeof her own, writing in part, "To know Loren was to love him. He had one of those personalities that people gravitate towards. He was fun loving and one of the most creative people I've met." She continued, "He relished the idea of trying new things, and lived his life full of adventure. He was strong and fought for the people he cared about — I never once heard him acquiesce. He wasn't scared of a big idea and lived to bring people (who often couldn't fully see his vision) along with him. He believed in people. He found the best in everyone. He was a storyteller. He was a dreamer. He was the real deal." Prior to his stint at HGTV, Ruch worked in Los Angeles at Fox O&O KTTV-TV onGood Day L.A.andGood Day Live,Varietynoted, adding that he also championed LGBTQ+ causes and organizations including Live Out Loud. Ruch is survived by his husband, David Salas, as well as his mother, father and a brother, according toVariety. On June 5, Salas shared a carousel of photos onInstagramfeaturing him and his husband alongside an emotional caption in honor of their 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! 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! Here's to many more amazing years ahead! I Love You!," he wrote. Read the original article onPeople