Fans were devastated when they received the news of Eric Dane’s demise on February 19, 2026, after battling with ALS. Among the most affected was his ex-co-star from Grey's Anatomy, Chyler Leigh.In a statement to E! News, Leigh claimed that the past few days had been heartbreaking for her. She stated that it is difficult to lose the person you love and admire. She also recalled Dane as a happy, nice and humorous individual, not only a great actor. Fans felt her words deeply. She gave her tribute not only concerning his work, but also about him as a human being.Chyler Leigh’s heartfelt tribute to Eric DaneChyler Leigh didn’t describe Eric Dane with tired praise. She discussed the individual person behind the roles he played, eccentric in a good way, sensitive, funny and memorable. Even the toughest days on set seemed easier with his loud, distinctive laugh.She claimed that Eric Dane was inquisitive and brilliant, and could laugh at things one moment and discuss heavy concepts the next. Such a combination made him unique, not only to his fans but also to all people who had a chance to collaborate with him. Above all, she talked of his love for his daughters, Billie and Georgia, and that love defined who he was. In the released statement via E! News, Chyler Leigh said,“The last 48 hours have been devastating. I never thought I would be using the term ‘had or was,’ but here we are. And I hate it. Eric had a heart of gold. His humor and, especially, his laugh was infectious. He was a deeply intelligent man who could carry a philosophical conversation for hours even while we were on set. He was an amazing father and 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 just as I will continue to do within my heart forever.”She concluded by saying the universe had him now and that she always would have him in her heart. To fans who are mourning, her words seemed reassuring. Eric Dane might be gone, but he will still be greatly missed by those who were close to him and loved him.The power of connection View this post on Instagram Instagram PostWhen a star passes away, social media is full of posts, but the message shared by Chyler Leigh was different. It was not formal or coerced. Her words for Eric Dane were sincere, and felt like coming from a true friend and someone who knew him well and loved him immensely. This made a big impact on fans since she did not merely discuss his success. She discussed the impact he made on people, both on set and in real life.Such a tribute is rarely experienced nowadays. It is also as if through her words that we remember him. Many fans think of Eric Dane’s Dr. Mark “McSteamy” Sloan as a TV character, but through her, we see the person behind it. This is why her message is relevant. It is not merely news, but it is now a part of his story, told by those who loved him, and those who observed him.For more such insights, keep following SoapCentral.