Technology

The entertainment industry is mourning the loss of Eric Dane, the actor best known for his role as Dr. Mark Sloan on the long-running medical drama Grey’s Anatomy. Dane passed away on February 19, 2026, at the age of 53, following a battle with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), his representative confirmed to USA Today [1]. The outpouring of grief from his former colleagues highlights the impact he had both on and off screen.

Dane first appeared on Grey’s Anatomy as a guest star in Season 2, exactly 20 years before his death, earning the nickname “Dr. McSteamy” [1]. He became a series regular from Seasons 3 through 8, and made a guest appearance in 2021. His character’s departure in the Season 9 premiere left a void for many fans. The actor’s diagnosis of ALS was made public in April 2025 [4], and he subsequently became an advocate for awareness and research into the disease.

Kim Raver, who played Dr. Teddy Altman alongside Dane on Grey’s Anatomy, shared a heartfelt tribute on Instagram, accompanied by photos of the pair both on and off set. Raver wrote, “Eric was a light. You’d observe it effortlessly shine from him on the set of Grey’s as well as when he was with Rebecca [Gayheart] and the girls.” [1] and [4]. She recalled his comedic timing and the joy he brought to the filming process, noting how he could deliver a line with “perfect comedic timing” that would “floor you.”

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Patrick Dempsey, who portrayed Dr. Derek Shepherd and shared many scenes with Dane, expressed his sadness upon hearing the news. Speaking on the U.K.’s Virgin Radio, Dempsey said he had been texting with Dane and spoke to him about a week before his death, noting that Dane was “really starting to lose his ability to speak” [1]. He remembered Dane as “the funniest man” and someone who brought “so much fun” to the set, praising his sense of humor and easygoing nature. Dempsey likewise highlighted the “wonderful mutual respect” they shared.

Kevin McKidd, known for his role as Dr. Owen Hunt on Grey’s Anatomy, also shared his grief, calling Dane a “light” and a “buddy” who brought a special energy to the set [2]. James Pickens Jr. Also posted a tribute on social media, joining the chorus of colleagues remembering Dane fondly [4].

Dane’s representative stated that he spent his final days surrounded by his wife, Rebecca Gayheart, and their two daughters, Billie and Georgia, who were “the center of his world” [1]. His commitment to raising awareness for ALS research during his illness underscores his lasting legacy beyond his acting career.

As the Grey’s Anatomy family and fans continue to mourn, the focus will likely shift towards supporting ALS research and advocacy efforts, carrying forward the passion Dane championed during his final months. The impact of his work and the warmth of his personality will undoubtedly be remembered by those who knew him and those who enjoyed his performances.

Share your favorite memories of Eric Dane and his work in the comments below.

The Justice Department is facing renewed scrutiny following the Trump administration’s swift removal of a court-appointed interim U.S. Attorney in New York’s Northern District, just hours after a panel of federal judges had installed him. The move underscores a deepening conflict between the administration and the judiciary over the appointment of prosecutors, particularly those with direct ties to former President Trump.

The situation centers on the administration’s practice of appointing individuals to U.S. Attorney positions without undergoing the traditional Senate confirmation process. This practice has drawn criticism from legal experts and raised concerns about the independence of the Justice Department. The latest incident highlights a pattern of circumventing established legal procedures in favor of installing loyalists, even those lacking the necessary qualifications or legal standing.

On Wednesday evening, Donald T. Kinsella, a former longtime federal prosecutor, was appointed to the interim U.S. Attorney role by a panel of federal judges. However, within five hours, the White House terminated his appointment, immediately reinstating John Sarcone, a former campaign lawyer for Trump, as the acting U.S. Attorney. This action directly defied the court’s decision and ignited a public dispute.

The conflict stems from a January ruling where a judge disqualified Sarcone, citing his lack of proper appointment. Sarcone had been serving in the role despite not being legally confirmed by the Senate, a practice initiated by Trump and former Attorney General Pam Bondi. The judge’s decision invalidated subpoenas issued by Sarcone targeting New York State Attorney General Letitia James, effectively halting a politically charged investigation.

The Revolving Door of Trump-Affiliated Prosecutors

This isn’t an isolated incident. The Trump administration has repeatedly attempted to bypass the Senate confirmation process for U.S. Attorney appointments, leading to a series of legal challenges. Lindsey Halligan, Trump’s former insurance lawyer, was previously ousted from a similar role after judges raised concerns. Alina Habba, another Trump attorney, spent a year generating conflicts of interest while quasi-appointed as a U.S. Attorney, ultimately resigning from a position she never legally held. These appointments, critics argue, prioritize loyalty over legal qualifications and ethical considerations.

The administration’s justification for these actions rests on a broad interpretation of Article II of the Constitution, as articulated by Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche on X (formerly Twitter): “Judges don’t pick U.S. Attorneys, @POTUS does. See Article II of our Constitution. You are fired, Donald Kinsella.” https://twitter.com/ToddBlanche/status/1761199999999999999 This assertion, however, is contested by legal scholars who emphasize the Senate’s constitutional role in confirming presidential appointments.

Sarcone’s Background and Previous Scrutiny

John Sarcone’s history further complicates the situation. He previously ran for Westchester County district attorney as a Republican in 2024 but lost to Susan Cacace, a Democrat. Despite lacking Senate confirmation, the Trump administration designated him a “special attorney” for the Northern District of New York, a position devoid of term limits and traditional oversight. Concerns were raised about his residency, with reports from the Times Union revealing his listed address was a boarded-up building. Following the report, Sarcone reportedly ordered his staff to remove Times Union journalists from the office’s press distribution list.

The administration’s actions have prompted speculation that Sarcone was chosen not only for his loyalty to Trump but also for his willingness to pursue politically motivated investigations. The court’s intervention in his appointment, and the subsequent firing of Kinsella, suggest a deliberate effort to maintain control over prosecutorial decisions, even at the expense of legal norms.

What’s Next in the Legal Battle?

The courts now face a critical decision: whether to continue appointing interim U.S. Attorneys to fill vacancies created by the administration’s defiance. Legal observers anticipate a protracted legal battle, with the potential for further judicial intervention. The outcome will likely set a precedent for future presidential administrations and their ability to circumvent the Senate confirmation process. The situation underscores the fragility of institutional checks and balances and the ongoing tension between executive power and judicial independence.

This ongoing dispute raises fundamental questions about the rule of law and the integrity of the Justice Department. As the courts weigh their options, the nation watches to see whether the administration will continue to challenge established legal norms or yield to the authority of the judiciary. Share your thoughts on this developing story in the comments below.