Eric Dane Cause of Death: "Grey's Anatomy" Star Dies at 53 From ALS
Eric Dane, the beloved actor best known as "McSteamy" on Grey's Anatomy and for his role in Euphoria, has died. Dane died on February 19, 2026, following complications related to amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), also known as Lou Gehrig's disease, just 10 months after publicly revealing his diagnosis. He was 53 years old. The Eric Dane cause of death — ALS — has prompted an outpouring of tributes from fans, colleagues, and the ALS advocacy community he championed in his final months.
Eric Dane's ALS Diagnosis and the Timeline of His Illness
In a June 2025 interview, Eric Dane shared that his ALS symptoms had started about a year and a half prior — around late 2023 or early 2024 — when he began experiencing weakness in his right hand.
At first, he blamed overzealous texting, but when the weakness progressed, he consulted a hand specialist, who referred him to a neurologist. After nine months of searching for answers, he was diagnosed with ALS.
| Milestone | Timeline |
|---|---|
| First symptoms (right hand weakness) | Late 2023 / Early 2024 |
| ALS diagnosis announced | April 2025 |
| Lost full use of right arm | June 2025 |
| Began using a wheelchair | October 2025 |
| Death | February 19, 2026 |
What Is ALS — Eric Dane's Cause of Death Explained
ALS is a fatal nervous system disease that affects nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord, causing progressive loss of muscle control. There is no known cure.
The disease is slightly more common in men than in women and tends to strike in midlife, between the ages of 40 and 60. In 2022, there were nearly 33,000 estimated cases, with researchers projecting that number will rise to more than 36,000 by 2030. The only FDA-approved treatment, riluzole, can slow progression but cannot stop it.
Eric Dane's Final Days and Family Statement
His family released a statement saying: "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."
In October 2025, Dane traveled to Washington, D.C., with the nonprofit I AM ALS to advocate for additional ALS research funding, speaking about his hope to see his daughters graduate college, get married, and have children.
Eric Dane's Hollywood Legacy
Eric Dane built one of the most recognizable careers in modern television across three decades.
- Grey's Anatomy — Dr. Mark Sloan ("McSteamy"), seasons 3–9, with a return in 2021
- Euphoria (HBO) — Cal Jacobs, 2019–2026
- The Last Ship (TNT) — Captain Tom Chandler, 2014–2018
- Countdown (Amazon Prime Video) — FBI Special Agent Nathan Blythe, 2025
Dane persevered with work even as his health declined, filming the third season of HBO's Euphoria.
Tributes Pour In After Eric Dane's Death
The Grey's Anatomy cast publicly honored Dane following his passing, with co-star Kim Raver writing that "Eric was a light. You'd see it effortlessly shine from him on the set of 'Grey's' as well as when he was with Rebecca and the girls."
The ALS advocacy group I AM ALS called him "a fierce advocate, a generous spirit, and a true champion in the movement to end ALS," adding that he used his platform not for attention, but for action. Eric Dane's cause of death may be ALS, but his legacy — both on screen and in the fight against the disease — endures far beyond it.
