Eric Dane’s cause of death has been determined.
The Grey’s Anatomy actor, who died on Feb. 19 at age 53 years old, died from respiratory failure, according to The Los Angeles County Department of Public Health in a death certificate, as reported by People magazine. Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, or ALS, is listed as an underlying cause of death.
“He spent his final days surrounded by dear friends, his devoted wife [actress Rebecca Gayheart] and his two beautiful daughters, Billie and Georgia, who were the center of his world,” his family said in a statement on news of his death. Dane revealed in April 2025 that he had been battling ALS, and had experienced symptoms for a year and a half prior to that point from the rare degenerative disease.
During his Hollywood career, the San Francisco native became well known for playing the character of Dr. Mark Sloan, also dubbed “McSteamy,” on the medical drama Grey’s Anatomy, and for roles on the TNT postapocalyptic drama The Last Ship and HBO’s Euphoria.
Dane also played an ALS patient in an episode of NBC’s medical drama Brilliant Minds, ending the episode with a voiceover as his character records his speech into a voice-making app some patients use when they lose the ability to speak. That was part of an effort by Dane thanks to his career to bring awareness to ALS.
“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,” Dane’s family said in the Feb. 19 statement.
