Eric Dane's widow Rebecca Gayheart addresses GoFundMe as questions raised
Grey's Anatomy actor Eric Dane passed away on Friday (20 Feb) following a battle with ALS
Rebecca Gayheart, the widow of Grey's Anatomy actor Eric Dane, has issued a statement after a GoFundMe page set up in her late husband's honour raised some concerns.
The Dr Mark Sloan star died last week (19 Feb), aged 53, less than a year after receiving a diagnosis for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) in April 2025.
His loved ones announced his passing in a heartbreaking statement shared with PEOPLE, which read: "With heavy hearts, we share that Eric Dane passed on Thursday afternoon following a courageous battle with ALS.
"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."
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The statement concluded: "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."
In light of the actor's passing, a GoFundMe page was set up on Sunday (22 February), titled 'In honour of Eric Dane'.
Announcing the page in an Instagram caption that has since been deleted (as per Deadline), his close friend Mike McGuiness wrote: "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. Love the ones you’ve got."
The page pledges to 'help provide stability' to Dane's wife, Rebecca, and their two 'wonderful daughters' in the future.
"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," its description reads.
"Even as his own health declined, he remained deeply committed to helping others facing the same devastating disease."
It added: "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."
At the time of writing, the fundraiser has already reached a staggering $337,626.
Dane's wife, Gayheart, subsequently shared a link to the page on social media over the weekend, alongside a series of happy-faced throwback snaps of her, Dane and their daughters.
The 54-year-old also went on to share a screenshot of the fundraiser on her personal account, captioned: "Thank you to everyone."
Tragically for Dane's friends and family, however, the setting up of the GoFundMe page has drawn unwanted attention from a number of online critics, who've slammed the fundraiser as out of touch.
Taking to Reddit, one troll hit out (as cited by Buzzfeed): "Not to sound insensitive but rich celebrities' families launching GoFundMe's and using their popularity to get overwhelming donations when the economy is s**t and people are struggling to afford every day essentials doesn't feel right.
"Sad he's gone but he was a part of some of the biggest shows in TV history I'm sure his coworkers/ production houses can donate to his family instead of sharing with the public."
Another X user agreed with this sentiment, adding: "Eric Dane’s death is awful & I was really sad to see it. His net worth was widely estimated at several million dollars. I don’t understand why his family needs a GoFundMe."
Topics: Celebrity, US News, Entertainment, Grey's Anatomy, Health
Rhianna Benson