The Grey's Anatomy family are mourning the loss of star Eric Dane
Chyler Leigh, who portrayed his love interest Dr. Lexie Grey on the hit medical series, has issued a heartbreaking tribute remembering her late co-star.
In a statement shared with E!, Leigh described Dane as a man with a 'heart of gold' who cared deeply for his two daughters and his work.
'The last 48 hours have been devastating,' Leigh said. 'I never thought I would be using the term "had or was," but here we are. And I hate it.'
She went on to praise Eric's character, sense of humor, and intellect before remembering him as 'an amazing father' who 'loved his girls FIERCELY. Incredibly passionate about his work and the causes he kept close to his heart.'
'The Universe is undoubtedly holding Eric now,' she stressed, 'just as I will continue to do within my heart forever.'
Grey's Anatomy alum Chyler Leigh has paid tribute to her late co-star Eric Dane
Dane's death was announced on Thursday, less than a year after he revealed that he had been diagnosed with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), also known as Lou Gehrig's Disease.
A special tribute is set to additionally be made to Dane in the upcoming episode of Grey's Anatomy that will air next week on February 26, per Deadline.
Tributes have been pouring in for Dane following his death at age 53 from the world of Grey's Anatomy and beyond.
The show's creator Shonda Rhimes said, 'Eric Dane was a beloved member of the Shondaland and Grey’s Anatomy families. He was truly a gifted actor whose portrayal of Dr. Mark Sloan left an indelible mark on the series and on audiences around the world.'
Not only have the cast been publicly paying tribute to Dane, but various other Hollywood stars have also paid their respects online.
Ashton Kutcher, Selma Blair, and Alyssa Milano were among the stars remembering the late Dane.
Kutcher took to X shortly after learning about Dane's passing and wrote, 'The Franklin strip fanatics fantasy football league will miss Mr. Eric Dane.
'We know you'll be watching from the booth. Miss you, buddy. Let's keep fighting the fight to solve ALS.'
Chyler played Dane's love interest, Dr. Lexie Grey
Dane's death was announced on Thursday, less than a year after he revealed that he had been diagnosed with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS)
In 2006, Dane joined the show as Dr. Sloan but officially left during season 9 after his character died in a plane crash.
The award-winning actor is survived by his two teenage daughters, Billie Beatrice, 15, and Georgia Geraldine, 13, and his wife, Rebecca Gayheart.
ALS is 'a nervous system disease that affects nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord' and can 'cause loss of muscle control,' per Mayo Clinic.
Dane announced his diagnosis with the disease last year in April.
