Eric Dane’s cause of death revealed: Grey’s Anatomy star succumbed to respiratory failure amid ALS battle

Eric Dane passed away

• Eric Dane died at 53 from respiratory failure due to ALS
• He disclosed his ALS diagnosis in April 2025
• Dane was known for roles in Grey's Anatomy and Euphoria

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Hollywood actor Eric Dane, known for his roles in TV series like Grey's Anatomy and Euphoria, passed away in February. Authorities have now revealed Eric Dane's official cause of death.

According to the death certificate obtained by People, Dane passed away from respiratory failure. Additional information on the circumstances surrounding his death was provided by the identification of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) as an underlying cause of death, as per the outlet.

Dane passed away at the age of 53, almost a year after disclosing his diagnosis with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). His family confirmed that he passed away on February 19.

According to the Mayo Clinic, ALS, also referred to as Lou Gehrig's disease, is a progressive neurodegenerative illness that kills nerve cells and ultimately results in muscle paralysis. Certain drugs and physical therapy treatments can help slow its growth, but there is presently no cure.

Over time, the condition can impact the muscles involved in breathing, swallowing, and speaking. It is well-known for its catastrophic effects on voluntary muscle activity. ALS presently has no known cure.

Dane publicly disclosed his ALS diagnosis in April 2025.

Also Read: Grey's Anatomy actor Eric Dane, and ALS awareness advocate, dies at 53

For the unversed, the San Francisco native became well-known throughout his Hollywood career for playing Dr. Mark Sloan, sometimes known as "McSteamy," in the medical drama Grey's Anatomy. He also made appearances in HBO's Euphoria and TNT's post-apocalyptic series The Last Ship.

Later, Dane played an ALS patient in an episode of NBC's Brilliant Minds, which ended with a moving voiceover in which his character recorded words using a speech-generating program that patients who are unable to speak frequently rely on. The position was a part of his larger endeavour to use his career to increase awareness about ALS.

Eric Dane is survived by his wife, Rebecca Gayheart, and their two daughters, 15-year-old Billie Beatrice and 13-year-old Georgia Geraldine.