Eric Dane’s official cause of death has been confirmed.
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – JUNE 18: Eric Dane attends the “Countdown” Premiere and After-Party on June 18, 2025 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Frazer Harrison/Getty Images for Prime Video)
The “Grey’s Anatomy” star died of respiratory failure, according to his death certificate obtained by People. Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) was an underlying cause of death.
Dane died on Feb. 19 at 53-years-old, nearly one year after he announced his ALS diagnosis.
DENVER, CO – NOVEMBER 12: Eric Dane attends the Global Down Syndrome Foundation’s 2022 Be Beautiful Be Yourself Fashion Show on November 12, 2022 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Jamie Schwaberow/Getty Images)
ALS, also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease, is a progressive degenerative disease that affects the nerve cells, leading to eventual paralysis of the muscles, according to the Mayo Clinic. There is no cure for ALS. However, there are medications and forms of physical therapy that can slow the progression.
LOS ANGELES, CA – JUNE 03: Chrysalis Butterfly Ball Co-chair Rebecca Gayheart-Dane (L) and Actor Eric Dane at the 16th Annual Chrysalis Butterfly Ball on June 3, 2017 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Alberto E. Rodriguez/Getty Images for Chrysalis Butterfly Ball)
A post on Dane’s Instagram page confirmed his death, saying, “With heavy hearts, we share that Eric Dane passed on Thursday afternoon following a courageous battle with ALS. He spent his final days surrounded by dear friends, his devoted wife, Rebecca, and his two beautiful daughters, Billie and Georgia, who were the center of his world.”
FILE – Eric Dane arrives at a promotional event for the series “Euphoria,” in Los Angeles, April 20, 2022. (Photo by Jordan Strauss/Invision/AP, File)
The post continued, “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.”
Dane is survived by his wife, Rebecca Gayhart and their two children, Billie Beatrice, 15, and Georgia Geraldine, 13.
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