In a touching show of support following the sudden death of actor Eric Dane, his ex-girlfriend Priya Jain has donated $10,000 to a GoFundMe fundraiser established to aid his family and advance research into amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), the disease that claimed his life. The contribution, confirmed by Us Weekly on Tuesday, February 24, 2026, comes amid an outpouring of grief from fans and fellow celebrities after Dane's passing on Thursday, February 19, 2026, at the age of 53.
The GoFundMe, launched by 'Friends of the Dane family' just hours after his death, lists Rebecca Gayheart, Dane's ex-wife and the mother of his two daughters, as the beneficiary. As of the latest updates, the campaign has raised more than $450,000 from over 4,000 donations, approaching its $500,000 goal. The funds are intended to support Dane's family, including his daughters Billie, 15, and Georgia, 14, and to contribute to ALS research efforts.
Jain, a 28-year-old California-based actress known for her role in the 2001 film The Sanctuary, had been romantically linked to Dane starting in November 2024. The pair dated for nearly a year before parting ways, but according to a source close to the situation, they had 'reconnected their relationship as friends' several months prior to his death. This reconnection reportedly deepened Jain's emotional ties to Dane's family, with the source telling Us Weekly, 'She has a lot of love for his family [and] knows how hard this is for his daughters.'
Dane's death from ALS came as a profound shock to those around him, including Jain. The insider revealed that 'Priya didn’t think it would happen this quickly,' noting that Dane had publicly disclosed his diagnosis just 10 months earlier, in April 2025. ALS, a progressive nervous system disease that affects nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord, gradually weakens muscles and impacts physical function, according to the Mayo Clinic. Dane's battle with the condition not only ended his life but also halted much of his professional work, exacerbating financial strains on his family.
The family's official statement, released on the day of his passing, captured the depth of their loss. 'With heavy hearts, we share that Dane passed on Thursday afternoon following a courageous battle with ALS,' it read. '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.' The statement highlighted Dane's advocacy work, adding, '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.'
Rebecca Gayheart, 54, who starred alongside Dane in projects like Beverly Hills, 90210, publicly acknowledged the GoFundMe on her Instagram Stories on Saturday, February 21, 2026. She shared several family photos depicting Dane with their daughters and included a link to the fundraiser. 'Thank you to everyone,' Gayheart wrote simply next to the link, expressing gratitude amid the family's mourning.
Although Gayheart filed for divorce in 2018, the couple remained legally married until Dane's death, a detail that underscores the complexities of their long-term relationship. Dane, best known for his roles as Dr. Mark Sloan on Grey's Anatomy and Uncle Jack on Euphoria, had built a storied career in television and film. His ALS diagnosis in 2025 forced him to step back from acting, a move that friend Mike McGuiness later described as devastating to Dane's livelihood.
McGuiness, a friend of nearly two decades, took to Instagram to explain the need for the fundraiser. 'My friend of almost two decades just left us after a brutal battle with ALS,' he wrote. 'I’m the positive spin guy and can come up with something hopeful in most any situation. This one broke me.' He continued, 'COVID and ALS did a number on his work life and he, sadly, couldn’t leave his family with the resources he had hoped. A GoFundMe is being made and I will post it on my story for anyone able to help.' McGuiness's post helped amplify the campaign, drawing widespread attention.
The response from Hollywood has been swift and generous. High-profile donors include Euphoria creator Sam Levinson, who contributed $27,000, and model Hailey Bieber, who gave $20,000. These contributions reflect Dane's enduring impact on the industry and the solidarity among his peers in the face of such a personal tragedy. Other celebrities and fans have also rallied, pushing the total donations past the halfway mark to the goal within days.
Jain's donation stands out not just for its size but for its personal significance. As Dane's former partner, her gesture bridges the romantic history they shared with the ongoing support for his immediate family. The source emphasized Jain's devastation, particularly in light of a reported love triangle that had 'blindsided' her earlier in their relationship, though details of that remain private. Her act of giving aligns with the broader wave of tributes, transforming collective sorrow into tangible aid.
Beyond the immediate financial support, Dane's story has reignited conversations about ALS awareness. The disease, which has no cure, affects about 30,000 people in the United States at any given time, per the ALS Association. Dane's public journey, from diagnosis to advocacy, mirrors that of other figures like physicist Stephen Hawking, who lived with ALS for decades. His final months, marked by determination despite physical decline, have inspired calls for increased funding and research into treatments.
The Dane family's privacy request in the wake of his death has been respected, with no public funeral details announced as of February 24, 2026. Gayheart and the daughters are reportedly focusing on healing at their home in Los Angeles, surrounded by close supporters. The GoFundMe's success suggests that Dane's legacy will extend through the very causes he championed, providing stability for his loved ones and hope for future patients.
As the fundraiser nears its target, organizers have expressed optimism about surpassing it, potentially allowing for expanded contributions to ALS initiatives. Jain's involvement, alongside donations from industry heavyweights, illustrates the far-reaching connections Dane forged throughout his career. In a time of profound loss, these acts of kindness offer a measure of comfort to those left behind.
Eric Dane's untimely death serves as a stark reminder of the unforgiving nature of ALS and the importance of continued medical advancements. While his family navigates this new reality, the outpouring of support underscores the affection he inspired both on and off screen. As tributes continue to pour in, the focus remains on honoring his memory through action and remembrance.