Kate Walsh pays tribute to Eric Dane after he lost his battle with ALS

Perth-based actress Kate Walsh has taken to social media to release an emotional statement following the death of her former co-star Eric Dane.

Dane, best known for his roles in Grey’s Anatomy and Euphoria died on Friday aged 53 after battling ALS, an incurable neurodegenerative disease.

Walsh, who now calls Perth home, took to Instagram earlier this morning with teary eyes to share her sadness over the passing of Dane.

“I’m at a loss for words to try to express the sadness around Eric’s passing,” she said.

“First and foremost I am thinking of his girls and Rebecca and holding them in my prayers and my heart.”

The actress reflected on their first scene together - an elevator moment during the early days of Grey’s Anatomy.

“I literally remember my very first scene with Eric… an elevator scene at Seattle Greys. So, so long ago. I believe it was his first scene on the show too and he was nervous,” she said.

“He was so handsome and I thought, ‘but can this guy act?’ — and of course he could, and did, and the rest is history.”

Walsh described Dane as sensitive, intelligent and deeply supportive during their time working together.

“In those early days of Grey’s, as with most network TV shows, we spent more time with each other than anyone else and so we became a family of sorts and Eric was such a source of support and love,” she said.

Calling ALS an ‘awful disease”, Walsh urged followers to support research efforts, encouraging them to look into Target ALS in Dane’s memory.

Dane is survived by his two daughters and wife Rebecca

A Go Fund Me page has been set up to honour the father-of-two set up by friends of the Dane family,

American filmaker and actor, Sam Levinson donated $27,000 alongside his wife, Ashley.

The fundraiser which was started on Saturday morning has so far raised over $80,000.