Eric Dane, the widely loved actor who earned the title of “McSteamy” for his iconic role as ‘Dr. Mark Sloan’ on Grey’s Anatomy, is no more. Just 10 months after publicly revealing his diagnosis with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), he lost his battle at the age of 53. In his final days, Dane was actively working towards supporting ALS treatment.
How did Eric Dane die?
Eric Dane’s passing has been confirmed by his grieving family. In a statement recently shared with PEOPLE, Dane’s family shared that the actor passed away following a courageous battle with ALS, and his health was deteriorating. While there has been no official confirmation of exactly how he died, the family shared that he passed away on Thursday, February 19, 2026, in the afternoon. The family’s statement reads:
“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, and his two beautiful daughters, Billie and Georgia, who were the center 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.”