Horrible news to report... Grey's Anatomy star Eric Dane - who played the iconic role of Dr. Mark Sloan AKA McSteamy - has died at 53. Last year, back in April, he publicly announced he had been diagnosed with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, a neurodegenerative disease more commonly referred to as ALS. Related: The Cancer Symptom That Compelled James Van Der Beek To Get Checked TMZ reports he passed away at a Los Angeles hospital on Thursday afternoon, surrounded by loved ones - including his wife and fellow actor, Jawbreaker and Urban Legend star Rebecca Gayheart. (c) Nicky Nelson/WENN His family's statement reads: "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. 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." Back in December, Rebecca had detailed the hoops they had to go through with insurance and other challenges they faced following his diagnosis: "Just figuring out the health-care system is its own thing - the health-insurance company will deny you what you're asking for and you have to appeal and then you have to apply again." Awful. Sadly, many Americans in the United States can attest to this struggle! And it gets worse: "The woman from his insurance said to me, 'You can keep applying, and I'll keep denying,' I was like, 'Oh? F that.' I made it my mission. I was 'locked in,' as the kids would say. I crashed out, and then I locked it in." It took multiple appeals, but they were finally approved. Ugh, just awful to think about how that time could have been better served had he just had the proper treatments his insurance kept denying... But through it all, Rebecca was a devoted companion. Our heart breaks for her, their children, and all his friends and loved ones. His fans, too. He may have been best known for his role on the ABC medical hit Grey's Anatomy, but he had quite the fun career - Valentine's Day, Euphoria, just to name a couple. He will definitely be missed. [Image via ABC & I AM ALS/YouTube.] The post <i>Grey's Anatomy</i> Star Eric Dane Dead At 53 -- Read The Family's Statement appeared first on Perez Hilton.