LOS ANGELES, California, The official cause of death for American actor Eric Dane, best known for his roles on Grey’s Anatomy and Euphoria, has been confirmed as respiratory failure stemming from amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), his death certificate shows. Dane died on February 19, 2026, at the age of 53 after nearly a year battling the progressive neurological condition he publicly announced in April 2025.
ALS, often referred to as Lou Gehrig’s disease, is a condition that affects nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord, leading to muscle weakness and loss of voluntary control over time. In Dane’s case, complications from ALS ultimately led to respiratory failure, which was determined to be the immediate cause of his death by authorities and reported by family and news outlets.
Dane’s family praised his courage and advocacy during his illness, noting how he used his public platform to raise awareness about ALS and support research efforts. He is survived by his wife, Rebecca Gayheart, and their two daughters, and fans and colleagues have paid tribute to his legacy both on and off screen.
