Eric Dane's official cause of death has been confirmed. The actor, known for his roles in "Grey's Anatomy" and "Euphoria," passed away due to respiratory failure, as stated in his death certificate obtained by PEOPLE. Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), also known as Lou Gehrig's disease, was listed as an underlying cause of death. Dane was 53 years old and is survived by his wife, Rebecca Gayheart, and their two daughters, Billie Beatrice, 15, and Georgia Geraldine, 13.
His family confirmed that the star passed away on Thursday, Feb. 19, nearly a year after he announced that he had been diagnosed with ALS. ALS is a progressive degenerative disease that affects the nerve cells, leading to eventual paralysis of the muscles, according to the Mayo Clinic. There is currently no cure for ALS, but medications and physical therapy can slow its progression.
"With heavy hearts, we share that Eric Dane passed away on Thursday afternoon following a courageous battle with ALS," Dane's family said in a statement to PEOPLE on Feb. 19. "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 received.
The family has asked for privacy as they navigate this difficult time."
Dane revealed his ALS diagnosis in April 2025, stating, "I have been diagnosed with ALS. I am grateful to have my loving family by my side as we navigate this next chapter." He added, "I feel fortunate that I am able to continue working and am looking forward to returning to the set of 'Euphoria' next week. I kindly ask that you give my family and I privacy during this time."
Despite his diagnosis, Dane continued filming season 3 of HBO's "Euphoria," where he starred as Jacobs' family patriarch Cal, just four days after announcing his ALS diagnosis. His first televised performance following his revelation was as a firefighter and 9/11 hero who struggles to tell his wife that he has been diagnosed with ALS on an episode of "Brilliant Minds" that filmed last October and aired the following month.
Dane said that the most challenging thing about the role was separating himself from his character but added that he was "grateful" for the "cathartic" experience. He said in a virtual panel featuring I AM ALS and Synapticure co-founders Brian Wallach and Sandra Abrevaya for Giving Tuesday on Dec. 2, 2025, "I have no reason to be in a good spirit at any time, on any given day. I don't think anybody would blame me if I went upstairs in my bedroom, crawled under the sheets, and spent the next two weeks crying."
He continued, "I was a little bit pleasantly surprised when I realized that I wasn't built like that, because I thought for sure that was gonna be me." Dane found it "very encouraging" to know that he can actually have a "buoyant spirit in the face of something so horrible." He added, "It's imperative that I share my journey with as many people as I can because I don't feel like my life is about me anymore."
In January, the actor was scheduled to attend the ALS Network's Champions for Cures and Care Gala and be recognized as Advocate of the Year. However, Dane canceled his appearance hours before due to the physical realities of ALS and not being "well enough to attend," the ALS Network confirmed to PEOPLE at the time. They said in a statement obtained by PEOPLE, "We remain deeply grateful for his courage, advocacy, and continued commitment to the ALS community, and we honor him fully this evening with our profound respect and support." They added that Aaron Lazar, a fellow actor diagnosed with ALS, would instead "accept the award on [Dane's] behalf."
