A close friend of Eric Dane has posted an emotional tribute after the actor’s death, amid questions surrounding a GoFundMe launched in the days that followed.
Dane died at the age of 53 on February 19 after a short fight with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS).
He was diagnosed with the progressive illness in April 2025. ALS impacts nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord and can steadily affect movement, speech, and breathing.
After sharing his diagnosis, Dane spent the months that followed speaking openly about the condition, describing the early signs he noticed and encouraging greater awareness.
When word of his passing emerged last week, condolences and tributes quickly poured in from across the entertainment industry.
Not long after, a GoFundMe page was created with the aim of supporting his two daughters, Billie and Georgia, but the fundraiser has also sparked debate online.
Some people have questioned why financial assistance would be needed, pointing to Dane’s long-running career and public profile.
In response to the conversation around the fundraiser, Dane’s friend Mike McGuiness shared an online post explaining the circumstances behind the campaign.
“My friend of almost two decades just left us after a brutal battle with ALS. I’m the positive spin guy and can come up with something hopeful in most any situation. This one broke me. I had nothing to say, it’s about as hopeless an affliction one could get. I truly don’t know if I could muster grace or dignity in that spot,” he explained.
“… 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 fundraiser has since climbed past $277,000, helped in part by a major donation from Euphoria director Sam Levinson and his wife Ashley. Their $27,000 contribution is currently listed as the largest single donation.
The GoFundMe description says the effort was created both to recognise Dane’s impact and to offer practical support for his children in the years ahead.
It also notes that Dane became a dedicated advocate for the ALS community and continued to focus on supporting others living with the disease, even as his own health declined.
The GoFundMe page encourages donations of any size, stating: “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.
“Any contribution, no matter the size, will help provide stability during this incredibly difficult time and in the future for Eric’s wonderful daughters.”