Following Eric Dane‘s death on Thursday, his friends and fans are stepping up to show their support to his family as they grieve.
Friends of Dane and wife Rebecca Gayheart’s family have launched a GoFundMe page to raise funds to help support their two teen daughters Billie and Georgie, after Eric died at age 53 following a recent ALS diagnosis. Seeking to crowdsource $250,000, the campaign has surpassed $75K as of Friday night.
“It is with profound sadness that we share the loss of Eric Dane after a hard-fought battle with ALS, leaving behind his devoted wife, Rebecca, and his two teenage daughters, Billie and Georgia, who were the center of his world,” reads the statement in the GoFundMe page.
“Following his diagnosis, Eric became a passionate spokesperson for the ALS community, using his voice and platform to advocate for fellow patients and to push for greater awareness. Even as his own health declined, he remained deeply committed to helping others facing the same devastating disease. As his illness progressed far more quickly than anyone could have imagined, Eric’s friends have come together to create this GoFundMe to support his girls and their future needs.”
They continued, “Any contribution, no matter the size, will help provide stability during this incredibly difficult time and in the future for Eric’s wonderful daughters. Thank you.”
Known for his roles on Euphoria and Grey’s Anatomy, Dane’s family announced that he died on Thursday, after he revealed his ALS diagnosis last April.
“With heavy hearts, we share that Eric Dane passed on Thursday afternoon following a courageous battle with ALS,” the family said in a statement. “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.”