Eric Dane’s official cause of death has been revealed after the actor died following a battle with ALS.
The actor’s official death certificate listed his cause of death as respiratory failure with ALS as an underlying cause, Us Weekly confirms. Dane was cremated on Friday, February 27.
Dane’s family previously confirmed the actor’s death on February 19. “With heavy hearts, we share that Eric Dane passed on Thursday afternoon following a courageous battle with ALS,” his family wrote in a statement to Us. “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.”
The statement continued, “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’s received. The family has asked for privacy as they navigate this impossible time.”
The Euphoria star, who is survived by Rebecca Gayheart and their two daughters, first opened up about his diagnosis in an April 2025 statement.
“I have been diagnosed with ALS,” he said at the time. “I am grateful to have my loving family by my side as we navigate this next chapter.”
Dane continued, “I feel fortunate that I am able to continue working and am looking forward to returning to set of Euphoria next week. I kindly ask that you give my family and I privacy during this time.”
Gayheart, 54, later got candid about the Grey’s Anatomy alum’s diagnosis in December 2025 while writing an article for The Cut. (Gayheart and Dane tied the knot in 2004, before she filed for divorce in 2018. She requested to dismiss their divorce in March 2025.)
“He was initially diagnosed with a few other things, but he had this sinking feeling that it was something more serious,” Gayheart recalled. “And I was like, ‘No, it’s not. I promise you it’s not. I can feel this! It’s gonna be OK.’”
She continued, “When he told me that day, he just started weeping, as did I. It didn’t feel real because he was still OK.”
Last year, Dane opened up to Good Morning America about noticing his early symptoms.
“I started experiencing some weakness in my right hand. I didn’t really think anything of it at the time. I thought maybe I’d been texting too much or my hand was fatigued, but a few weeks later I noticed it got a little worse,” he said.
Nine months after his first mobility issue, he was diagnosed with ALS. “I will never forget those three letters,” he recalled.
“I’m going to ride this till the wheels fall off,” Dane added, noting that he was still acting. “It keeps me sharp. It keeps me moving forward, which is super important right now.”
Dane further opened up about his health during a December 2025 virtual panel hosted by a nonprofit organization I AM ALS. “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” he said at the time. “I would love my life to be all about me, but I just can’t.”
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