Ammon News - Eric Dane has died at the age of 53, PEOPLE confirms. Dane became a star with his role as Dr. Mark Sloan — a.k.a. McSteamy — in Grey’s Anatomy. Dane's death comes 10 months after he went public with his diagnosis of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease.

Dane died Thursday, Feb. 19, the actor's family confirms to PEOPLE. "With heavy hearts, we share that Eric Dane passed on Thursday afternoon following a courageous battle with ALS," reads a statement from Dane's family. "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."

"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 was born in San Francisco in 1972. His father died from a gunshot wound when he was 7 years old. “He was a Navy man and ended up becoming an architect and interior designer. He was a troubled soul,” Dane told Gulf Times in 2014. He said that until he became a parent himself, he never realized how “devastating” the loss must have been for him as a child.