Friend Of Eric Dane Addresses His Funds Following GoFundMe

Eric Dane sadly passed away following a brief, but brave battle with ALS, and his friends have come out to create a GoFundMe to support his two daughters within the wake of his death.

Nonetheless, the response to the fundraiser has been mostly negative, with many slamming its creation attributable to Dane’s long Hollywood profession and high-profile TV work, including the upcoming third season of HBO’s “Euphoria.”

In a post on Instagram, Dane’s friend, Mike McGuiness, posted a series of photos of the 2 together in happier times alongside a lengthy caption during which he commented on the necessity for the GoFundMe.

“Covid and ALS did a number on his work life and he sadly couldn’t leave his family with the resources he had hoped,” McGuiness wrote. “A gofundme is being made and I’ll post it on my story for anyone in a position to help.”

Elsewhere within the caption, McGuiness shared Dane’s courage throughout his ALS journey.

“My friend of virtually 20 years just left us after a brutal battle with ALS,” he wrote. “I’m the positive spin guy and may provide you with something hopeful in most any situation. This one broke me. I had nothing to say, it’s about as hopeless an affliction one could get. I really don’t know if I could muster grace or dignity in that spot. Eric did.”

A GoFundMe was created for Eric Dane and Rebecca Gayheart’s two daughters, Billie, 15, and Geraldine, 13, following his death on February 19.

The fundraiser, which to this point has raised near $190,000 of its $250,000 goal, stated the intent behind the cash.

“As his illness progressed much more quickly than anyone could have imagined, Eric’s friends have come together to create this GoFundMe to support his girls and their future needs,” the fundraiser reads.

“Any contribution, regardless of the dimensions, will help provide stability during this incredibly difficult time and in the longer term for Eric’s wonderful daughters.”

“Here we go again… if you happen to absolutely must give away your money, donate on to ALS research,” a Reddit user wrote regarding the GoFundMe for Dane. “His friends can “afford” to gift his daughters money. They don’t need his fans to do it,” one other shared.

Some Redditors also identified Dane’s successful acting profession, which netted him tens of millions, specifically on “Grey’s Anatomy” and the upcoming third season of HBO’s “Euphoria.”

“This guy was on network TV for a decade raking in tens of millions — what are we doing here?,” a Redditor commented.

“He literally filmed for euphoria when he was sick and it hasn’t even aired yet… idk how much he makes off that show however it’s pretty popular,” one other user wrote. “And Grey’s Anatomy? I feel for Rebecca and youngsters I actually do however it’s not like they lost a bunch of income.”

Per Realtor.com, on January 9, 2026, James Van Der Beek and his wife, Kimberly, purchased a 36-acre ranch in Texas for $4.76 million.

When news of the multi-million-dollar purchase was revealed amid the creation of the GoFundMe for his wife and 6 children, many were outraged, as there was a belief that the property could possibly be sold to financially support Van Der Beek’s family.

The fundraiser, which set an initial goal of $1.5 million, was intended to assist cover medical bills and other living expenses for his wife and youngsters.

“For this reason these GoFundMe efforts are annoying,” one user wrote on Reddit. “It’s always gullible people giving celebrities with bad financial planning their hard-earned money.”

“Additionally they have a $2.5 million home in Beverly Hills they’re collecting rent on,” one other user wrote. “Healthcare within the US is bad, but come on people, don’t get grifted.”

“I don’t wish to be rude, but couldn’t they sell the land and ranch and downsize in the event that they needed money?,” a 3rd Redditor shared. “I’m not saying their donations needs to be taken away, or they aren’t possibly struggling, but there are such a lot of less fortunate people on gofundme who don’t even get a dime nor have they got a 5 million dollar property they’ll use as collateral.”

“With heavy hearts, we share that Eric Dane passed on Thursday afternoon following a courageous battle with ALS,” the statement began. “He spent his final days surrounded by dear friends, his devoted wife, and his two beautiful daughters, Billie and Georgia, who were the middle 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 identical fight. He will likely be deeply missed, and lovingly remembered all the time,” the statement continued.

“Eric adored his fans and is endlessly grateful for the outpouring of affection and support he’s received. The family has asked for privacy as they navigate this unattainable time,” the family shared.

In April 2026, greater than 4 years after the second season finale, HBO’s massive hit “Euphoria” returns, and Eric Dane’s controversial character, Cal Jacobs, is back for the third season.

Per Deadline, “Euphoria” creator Sam Levinson shared his thoughts regarding Dane’s passing.

“I’m heartbroken by the lack of our dear friend Eric,” Levinson said. “Working with him was an honor. Being his friend was a present. Eric’s family is in our prayers. May his memory be for a blessing.”

HBO also released a press release about Dane’s death.

“We’re deeply saddened by the news of Eric Dane’s passing,” the network said. “He was incredibly talented and HBO was fortunate to have worked with him on three seasons of ‘Euphoria.’ Our thoughts are together with his family members during this difficult time.”