'Grey’s Anatomy' star Chyler Leigh breaks silence on Eric Dane’s death

Chyler Leigh has shared a heartbreaking tribute following the death of her former Grey’s Anatomy co-star Eric Dane.

The 43-year-old actress, who portrayed Lexie Grey opposite Dane’s Mark Sloan on Grey’s Anatomy, spoke out to E! News two days after the actor died on Feb. 19 at age 53.

“The last 48 hours have been devastating,” Leigh said in a statement. “I never thought I would be using the term ‘had or was,’ but here we are. And I hate it.”

Reflecting on their years working together, Leigh described Dane as warm, brilliant and endlessly charismatic.

“Eric had a heart of gold. His humor and, especially, his laugh was infectious,” she wrote. “He was a deeply intelligent man who could carry a philosophical conversation for hours even while we were on set.”

Leigh also highlighted his devotion to family, noting that he “was an amazing father and loved his girls FIERCELY,” referring to his daughters Billie Beatrice, 15, and Georgia Geraldine, 14, whom he shared with ex-wife Rebecca Gayheart.

She praised his passion for his craft and the causes close to his heart, including his advocacy work after being diagnosed with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease, less than a year before his death.

“The Universe is undoubtedly holding Eric now just as I will continue to do within my heart forever,” Leigh concluded.

Dane’s family confirmed his passing in a statement, sharing that he spent his final days surrounded by loved ones. 

They described him as a devoted father whose daughters “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,” the statement read. The family has requested privacy as they grieve.

Several of Dane’s former Grey’s Anatomy costars have also honoured him in the days since his death.