Eric Dane died from respiratory failure, with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) listed as an underlying condition on the death certificate. This information was confirmed by authorities after his passing in February 2026.
Latest background
- ALS was publicly disclosed by Dane in April 2025, and he continued to be active publicly while managing the condition .
- The official cause of death attribution to respiratory failure was reported by multiple outlets and corroborated by People magazine via the death certificate .
Context and what this means
- ALS is a progressive neurodegenerative disease that affects nerve cells controlling voluntary muscles; respiratory complications are a common cause of death in advanced cases .
- Dane’s family publicly acknowledged his battle with ALS and he used his platform to raise awareness about the disease .
If you’d like, I can pull a concise timeline of key announcements and public disclosures about his ALS diagnosis and passing, with direct quotes from sources.
Sources
Eric Dane’s official cause of death has been confirmed.The "Grey’s Anatomy" star died of respiratory failure, according to his death certificate.
foxsanantonio.comEric Dane’s official cause of death has been confirmed.The "Grey’s Anatomy" star died of respiratory failure, according to his death certificate.
news4sanantonio.comAfter Grey's Anatomy alum Eric Dane died following a battle with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) at age 53, his official cause of death was confirmed by the Los Angeles County Medical Examiner.
www.eonline.comEric Dane, best known for his roles in 'Grey's Anatomy' and 'Euphoria' has died after a months-long battle with ALS. He was 53.
www.etonline.com'Grey's Anatomy' alum Eric Dane died at the age of 53, less than a year after revealing his ALS diagnosis. In his final months, the 'Euphoria' star became an advocate for research about the neurodegenerative disorder, also known as Lou Gehrig's' disease. Following the news of his death, Eric's Hollywood friends and collaborators paid tribute, from Patrick Dempsey sharing insight into Eric's last days on UK radio, to a source confirming to ET that Johnny Depp offered Eric one of his homes to...
www.etonline.comIMDb, the world's most popular and authoritative source for movie, TV and celebrity content.
www.imdb.comEric Dane’s official cause of death has been confirmed following the Grey’s Anatomy actor’s death on Feb. 19 at age 53. The late Euphoria star was determined to have died due to respiratory failure, with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) listed as an underlying cause of death, according to the death certificate obtained by PEOPLE on […]
popculture.comActor Eric Dane, widely recognised for his performances in Grey’s Anatomy and Euphoria, has died at the age of 53. His death certificate, obtained by People magazine, confirms respiratory failure as the immediate cause, with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) cited as an underlying condition.
www.awazthevoice.inThe Los Angeles County Medical Examiner confirmed "Grey's Anatomy" and "Euphoria" star Eric Dane's cause of death.
www.thewrap.com