Eric Dane, the beloved actor best known for his role as Dr. Mark Sloan on Grey's Anatomy, passed away on Thursday, February 19, 2026, at the age of 53 after a courageous battle with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). His death, confirmed by his family, marks the end of a life filled with memorable performances and personal triumphs, including his recent reconnection with ex-girlfriend Priya Jain as friends in the months before his passing. Dane's family shared a heartfelt statement expressing their grief and highlighting his dedication to ALS advocacy.
According to a source close to the situation, Dane and Jain, 28, had rekindled a platonic bond following their breakup last summer. "In the months leading up to Eric’s passing Priya and Eric reconnected their relationship as friends," the insider told Us Weekly exclusively. The source emphasized that maintaining a friendship was paramount for the pair after their romantic split, noting it was "more important for them to remain friends."
Jain, a founder of the skincare brand Naked Lynx, first met Dane through a mutual friend and they dated for about one year. Their relationship was intense and public; the couple was seen together constantly, with Dane introducing her as his girlfriend and the two frequently exchanging "I love you"s, according to a previous insider report from June 2025. However, the breakup blindsided Jain, who was described as "devastated" by the sudden end. Around the same time, Dane was spotted with Janell Shirtcliff at the Los Angeles premiere of his Prime Video series Countdown.
Despite the split, Jain reportedly wished Dane well as they parted ways. In the wake of his death, she is said to be mourning deeply. "Priya didn’t think it would happen this quickly," the source revealed, referring to Dane's rapid decline after going public with his ALS diagnosis in April 2025. Just 10 months later, he succumbed to the disease, a timeline that shocked those close to him.
The insider added that Jain holds immense affection for Dane even now. "She has so much love for him," the source said, describing Dane as "such a special person." Jain's thoughts also extend to Dane's family, particularly his daughters, Billie, 15, and Georgia, 14. "She has a lot of love for his family," the source told Us Weekly, adding that Jain "knows how hard this is for his daughters" and "feels for them."
On a personal note, Jain is "so sad and devastated" by the loss, but she finds solace in the legacy Dane leaves behind. "She’s grateful they exist to keep his memory alive," the insider shared, underscoring the emotional weight of the moment for the young entrepreneur.
Dane's ALS journey was marked by resilience and support from his inner circle, including his ex-wife, Rebecca Gayheart. The couple, married for 14 years, filed for divorce in 2018 but called off the legal separation in March 2025, just before Dane's diagnosis became public. Gayheart, 54, spoke warmly of their post-divorce dynamic in an April 2025 interview with E! News. "We are best of friends. We are really close. We are great coparents," she said. "We really figured out the formula to staying a family and I think our kids are benefiting greatly from it and we are as well."
Dane echoed this sentiment in a June 2025 appearance on Good Morning America, crediting Gayheart as a pillar during his health struggle. "We have managed to become better friends and better parents," he said. "And she is … probably my biggest champion and my most stalwart supporter. And I lean on her." This renewed closeness provided stability for their daughters amid Dane's illness.
Prior to his relationship with Jain, Dane's personal life was intertwined with Gayheart's, whom he met in the early 2000s. Their marriage produced Billie and Georgia, who remained the center of Dane's world until the end. The family's statement following his death painted a picture of intimate final days. "He spent his final days surrounded by dear friends, his devoted wife, and his two beautiful daughters, Billie and Georgia," it read, confirming Gayheart's role by his side despite their past divorce.
The full family statement, shared with Us Weekly, captured the depth of their sorrow and admiration for Dane's spirit.
"With heavy hearts, we share that Eric Dane passed on Thursday afternoon following a courageous battle with ALS," it began. "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’s received. The family has asked for privacy as they navigate this impossible time."
Dane's career spanned decades, from his breakout role on Grey's Anatomy starting in 2006, where he played the charming plastic surgeon McSteamy, to more recent turns in Euphoria as Cal Jacobs and the upcoming Countdown. His diagnosis in April 2025 thrust him into advocacy, raising awareness for ALS, a progressive neurodegenerative disease that affects nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord. Dane's public disclosure came amid a growing Hollywood conversation about health transparency, following peers like Selma Blair and Bruce Willis.
Representatives for Jain and Dane's family have not immediately responded to requests for further comment from Us Weekly, leaving much of the insight into Jain's grief reliant on anonymous sources. This reconnection as friends adds a poignant layer to Dane's story, illustrating the enduring bonds that outlasted romance in his final months.
Beyond his personal relationships, Dane's battle with ALS highlighted the urgent need for research into the disease, which has no cure and typically progresses rapidly. Dane's advocacy efforts, though cut short, inspired many; he used platforms like Good Morning America to share his experiences, encouraging donations and support for organizations like the ALS Association. His death comes at a time when celebrity stories of illness continue to humanize the fight against rare diseases.
As tributes pour in from fans and colleagues, the focus remains on Dane's legacy as a father, friend, and performer. Related coverage has revisited his iconic roles, from Grey's Anatomy to Euphoria, underscoring a career that touched millions. For Jain and Gayheart, the loss reverberates personally, with sources indicating a shared sense of gratitude for the time they had with him.
Looking ahead, Dane's family has requested privacy, signaling a period of mourning away from the public eye. His contributions to entertainment and ALS awareness ensure his memory endures, much like the family ties he cherished most. Billie and Georgia, now navigating life without their father, carry forward the lessons of resilience he exemplified in his 53 years.