Patrick Dempsey shares heartbreaking insight into Grey's Anatomy co-star Eric Dane's final days

Eric Dane’s Grey’s Anatomy co-star Patrick Dempsey has shared heartbreaking details regarding the actor’s final days.

Dane sadly passed away this week after the actor spoke about an amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) diagnosis in April last year.

The degenerative health condition attacks the nerve cells in the brain and the spinal cord.

It was the Grey's Anatomy star's representatives who confirmed late on Thursday evening that Dane had passed away aged 53.

"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 [actress Rebecca Gayheart] and his two beautiful daughters, Billie and Georgia, who were the center of his world," a statement read.

Eric Dane has died aged 53 (Frazer Harrison/Getty Images for Prime Video)

“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.”

Dempsey, a friend and former colleague of Dane, was on radio in the UK on Friday to shed light on the Euphoria star's final days.

Speaking to Chris Evans on Virgin Radio, Dempsey said: “I just woke up this morning, and I was very sad to read the news. It's hard to put into words. I feel really so sad for his children. I was corresponding with him, we were texting. So I spoke to him about a week ago.”

Dempsey soon realized the extent as to which his co-star’s health was deteriorating as loved ones started to say their goodbyes.

Patrick Dempsey and Eric Dane starred in Grey's Anatomy together (Danny Feld/Disney General Entertainment Content via Getty Images)

He continued: “Some friends of ours went in to see him and he was really starting to lose his ability to speak, he was bed-ridden and it was very hard for him to swallow. The quality of his life was deteriorating so rapidly."

The Grey’s Anatomy star then paid his respects to Dane, describing him as the ‘funniest man’.

“He's such a joy to work with, and I want to just remember him in that spirit,” Dempsey added.

“Anytime he was on set, he brought so much fun to it. He had a great sense of humor. He was easy to work with.

“We got along instantly. His first scene was him in all his glory coming out of the bathroom with a towel on looking amazing, making me feel completely out of shape and insignificant.”