GREY’S ANATOMY FALLS SILENT FOR 60 SECONDS — AS ‘McSTEAMY’ RETURNS ONE LAST TIME One week after Eric Dane’s death, Grey’s Anatomy closed its latest episode not with dialogue — but with memory. A 60-second montage of Dr. Mark “McSteamy” Sloan played out to “Chasing Cars,” bringing back the smile, the swagger, and the heartbreak that defined him for seven seasons. The tribute ended with a black-and-white portrait — a quiet farewell on the 20th anniversary of his first appearance on the show. But the detail that left longtime fans shaken? The same song that once underscored the show’s most emotional moments… was chosen to say goodbye to him.

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Grey’s Anatomy Pays Tribute to Eric Dane with Montage of Dr. McSteamy Moments 1 Week After His Death

Dane, who played Dr. Mark ‘McSteamy’ Sloan, died at 53 on Feb. 19, nearly one year after going public with his ALS diagnosis

Eric Dane on Grey's Anatomy
Eric Dane on Grey’s Anatomy.Credit :  Bob D’Amico/ABC

NEED TO KNOW

  • Grey’s Anatomy aired a 60-second montage dedicated to Eric Dane at the conclusion of the Thursday, Feb. 26 episode
  • Dane died at 53 on Feb. 19, 10 months after going public with his ALS diagnosis
  • Dane starred in Grey’s Anatomy as Dr. Mark “McSteamy” Sloan for seven seasons

Grey’s Anatomy paid homage to the late Eric Dane at the end of the episode that aired on Thursday, Feb. 26.

The ABC medical drama shared a 60-second montage at the end of the episode featuring notable moments involving Dane’s beloved character, Dr. Mark “McSteamy” Sloan. The tribute was soundtracked by Tommee Profitt and Fleurie’s cover of Snow Patrol’s “Chasing Cars,” which was also used in a montage to celebrate the 400th episode of the series in 2022.

The song first appeared on the show in the season 2 finale in 2006.

“In loving memory of Eric Dane. ❤️,” the Grey’s official Instagram account captioned the montage on social media. The remembrance, which featured Dane’s character’s introduction to the show and a number of his most notable lines, ends with a black and white portrait of Dane, who died on the 20th anniversary of his first appearance on the show.

Dane played his breakthrough role, nicknamed “McSteamy,” for seven seasons, with the fan-favorite character exploring a variety of complex relationship dynamics in the high-intensity environment of the fictional Grey Sloan Memorial Hospital. His character’s arc famously ended with a tragic death in a plane crash in season 9.

Eric Dane stars as Mark Sloan on "Grey's Anatomy."
Eric Dane stars as Mark Sloan on “Grey’s Anatomy.”. Gale Adler/Disney General Entertainment Content via Getty

Dane died at the age of 53 on Feb. 19, PEOPLE confirmed, 10 months after announcing his amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) diagnosis, also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease

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

Patrick Dempsey, Eric Dane, Ellen Pompeo, Lauren Stamile and Kate Walsh on Grey’s Anatomy
Patrick Dempsey, Eric Dane, Ellen Pompeo, Lauren Stamile and Kate Walsh on Grey’s Anatomy. Craig Sjodin/Disney General Entertainment Content via Getty

The statement continued, “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.”

Dane is survived by his daughters, Billie and Georgia, whom he shared with his ex, actress Rebecca Gayheart.

Friends of Dane started a GoFundMe fundraiser to raise money to “help provide stability during this incredibly difficult time and in the future for Eric’s wonderful daughters” following his death. At press time, the fundraiser has raised more than $467,000 of its $500,000 goal.