By Delaney Dine

The star most well-known for his role as “McSteamy” on Grey’s Anatomy announced his diagnosis of Lou Gehrigs’s disease in April 2025. February 2026, about 10 months later, he passed due to respiratory failure as a result of his disease.

“He died from amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, which kills nerve cells that control muscle movements, initially leading him to paralysis,” Grey’s Anatomy fan, president of Bellbrook’s medical team HOSA, and senior Helena Underbakke said.

“He had a progressive version of ALS, which breaks down the muscles,” another Grey’s fan and medicine-focused senior Anna Dewitt said. “It’s a degenerative disease, and it cost him his ability to walk, talk, move around, and then, at the later stages, breathe on his own.”

Dane was renowned for his roles in TV series and movies such as Grey’s Anatomy, Euphoria, Marley and Me, and more. 

“I grew up watching him on Grey’s,” Underbakke said. “I think that’s his most memorable role, as Dr. Sloane.”

“I think people will remember him the most from Grey’s Anatomy, just because it gained so much traffic, and so many people from so many different age groups watch it,” Dewitt said.

Not only will Dane be remembered by his roles in his industry, but also by his two daughters. 

“He’s a father to two beautiful young women: Billie, who’s 16 years old, and Georgia, who is 14,” Underbakke said. “Those poor girls are going through an unimaginable situation right now and I can only wish them peace and comfort while their family grieves.”