The cause of death for Grey’s Anatomy star Eric Dane has been revealed almost two weeks after he died aged 53.
According to People, who obtained a copy of his death certificate, Dane’s cause of death was respitatory failure, while an underlying cause was Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), or motor neurone disease, as it is known in Australia.
The rare but deadly neurodegenerative disorder, which is sometimes known as Lou Gehrig’s disease, affects the motor nerves that allow a person to move, swallow, talk and eventually breathe.
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Eric Dane’s cause of death has been revealed. (Variety via Getty Images)
The disease has an average life expectancy of about two-and-a-half years from diagnosis.
Others, like Dane, will not make it that long. The actor is thought to have had an aggressive form of the disease, given the speed it progressed.
He shared the news of his diagnosis in an exclusive interview with People in April 2025.
Just two months later, during an interview with Good Morning America journalist Diane Sawyer, he had lost all use of his right side.
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Dane spent his final months advocating for a cure for the disease. (Instagram/realericdane)
While he acknowledged the seriousness of the diagnosis, he vowed not to give up.
“I don’t think this is the end of my story,” he said. “I don’t feel like this is the end of me.”
But the end came quickly for the much-loved actor, who spent his final months advocating for a cure for the disease after becoming an ambassador for ‘I Am ALS’.
He went to Washington as part of Push for Progress, which hoped to secure US$1 billion in funding to fight the disease.
”I think it’s imperative that I share my journey with as many people as I can because I don’t feel like my life is about me anymore,” he said in December during the virtual event.
“And it’s something I’ve had to wrestle with because I’m a pretty selfish person, and I’d love for my life to be all about me, but I just can’t – I don’t think I’d be able to move forward if that were the case.”
Dane’s death was announced on February 19, in the US.
Dane with daughters Georgia and Billie in 2024. (Variety via Getty Images)
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“With heavy hearts, we share that Eric Dane passed on Thursday afternoon following a courageous battle with ALS,” said a statement from Dane’s family that was shared with People.
“He spent his final days surrounded by dear friends, his devoted wife, and his two beautiful daughters, Billie and Georgia, who were the centre of his world.
“Throughout his journey with ALS, Eric became a passionate advocate for awareness and research, determined to make a difference for others facing the same fight.
“He will be deeply missed, and lovingly remembered always. Eric adored his fans and is forever grateful for the outpouring of love and support he’s received.
“The family has asked for privacy as they navigate this impossible time.”
A video recording containing his final words to his daughters was later released.
The almost five-minute long message filmed by Netflix ended with the words, “Billie and Georgia, you are my heart. You are my everything. Good night. I love you. Those are my last words.”
Dane shared his final words for his daughters in a video released after his death. (YouTube)
Dane was married to actress Rebecca Gayheart from 2004.
The couple, who shared two daughters, Billie, 15, and Georgia, 13, separated in 2018, and Gayheart later filed for divorce but withdrew the petition following his diagnosis.
A GoFundMe set up by his friends following his death has so far raised $476,000 for his daughters.
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