Actor Eric Dane, known for his role as Dr. Mark Sloane on Grey’s Anatomy, passed away on Thursday at age 53 due to complications from amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), a severe and terminal neurodegenerative disease. ALS, the most common motor neuron disease, has no known cure and typically leads to death within two to four years after diagnosis. Jonah Heim ALS fundraiser efforts have gained attention amid this tragic news.
Following the announcement of Dane’s death, Mackenzie Heim, wife of Atlanta Braves catcher Jonah Heim, shared a Fox News post about the actor’s passing on her Instagram story. She expressed deep sorrow in the post.
“My mom and I would bing Greys together,” she wrote in the post. “I’m so heartbroken. This disease is absolutely terrible. I hate it. Give my momma a hug.”
Dane exhibited symptoms of ALS in 2024 before receiving his diagnosis in April 2025. Within a month, he had lost the use of his right arm and hand and began using a wheelchair by October. Aside from Grey’s Anatomy, Dane recently appeared as Cal Jacobs on the series Euphoria, whose third season is scheduled to debut on April 12.
Jonah Heim’s Personal Connection to ALS Through Family Loss
Jonah Heim’s mother-in-law, Hillary Prince, died in 2024 due to ALS complications. The Texas Rangers honored her memory in June 2025 by supporting ALS-related causes, with Heim’s father-in-law, Gary Prince, participating by throwing the ceremonial first pitch that day. This added personal dimension has motivated Heim and his wife to champion ALS awareness and research funding.
On May 30, Jonah and Mackenzie Heim organized a special Mystery Ball fundraiser aimed at combating ALS. The Rangers also paid tribute to Hillary Prince the following day and presented a donation to the ALS Association. Hillary had previously been honored by the Rangers in 2023 on Lou Gehrig’s Day, when she threw the first pitch to Jonah Heim.
Remembering Lou Gehrig’s Legacy and ALS Awareness
Lou Gehrig, the New York Yankees’ legendary first baseman known as the “Iron Horse,” has long been a symbol for ALS advocacy after his own diagnosis with the disease in 1939. Gehrig played 17 seasons and earned seven MLB All-Star selections, six World Series titles, and was twice named American League MVP in 1927 and 1936. He died in 1941, two years following his ALS diagnosis. The annual remembrance of Gehrig’s battle continues to inspire athletes and organizations alike, including those connected to Heim and the Texas Rangers, in their fight against ALS.
The Broader Impact of Jonah Heim’s Fundraising Efforts
The passing of Eric Dane has brought renewed focus on the devastating effects of ALS and the urgent need for research and support. Jonah Heim and his family’s open fight against the disease, especially after losing Hillary Prince, underscores the importance of community involvement and fundraising events like the Mystery Ball. These efforts aid in raising awareness and generating funds to support patients and families affected by ALS.
As the disease remains incurable, public figures such as Dane and Heim help humanize ALS, encouraging more attention toward finding treatments. The upcoming premiere of Euphoria season three also serves as a reminder of Dane’s impactful career despite his tragic illness, while the continued work of the Rangers and Heim in honoring ALS victims highlights a lasting commitment to this cause.
