Eric Dane Has Passed Away at 53 Following a Courageous Battle With ALS

“Grey’s Anatomy” star Eric Dane has passed away. He was 53 years old.

His passing comes just 10 months after he announced his amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) diagnosis.

Eric Dane Passes Away

Dane, who passed away on Thursday, was surrounded by his family and friends in his final days, according to a statement released to PEOPLE.

“With heavy hearts, we share that Eric Dane passed on Thursday afternoon following a courageous battle with ALS,” his family said in the statement. “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.”

The family touched on his ALS diagnosis, saying “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 statement adds. “The family has asked for privacy as they navigate this impossible time.”

What is ALS?

Otherwise known as Lou Gehrig’s Disease, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis is defined by Cleveland Clinic as “a neurodegenerative condition that affects how nerve cells communicate with your muscles.”

Symptoms of ALS include the following:

• Muscle weakness, particularly in the arms, legs, and neck
• Muscle cramps
• Twitching in your hands, feet, shoulders and/or tongue
• Stiff muscles (spasticity)
• Speech challenges (slurring words, trouble forming words)
• Drooling
• Unintentional emotional expressions (like laughing or crying)
• Fatigue
• Trouble swallowing (dysphagia)

As of writing, it still not known what causes ALS. There is also no treatment that can reverse the damage caused by this disease.