Patrick Dempsey has shared a heartbreaking insight into Eric Dane's final days after he died on February 19 at the age of 53, following a battle with ALS.
The Grey's Anatomy alum, who starred opposite Eric on the hit drama between 2006 and 2012, revealed that the late actor's "quality of life was deteriorating so rapidly" that he was losing his "ability to speak."
"I just woke up this morning, and it was very sad to read the news. It's hard to put into words. I feel really so sad for his children," Patrick, who played Dr. Derek Shepherd, said on The Chris Evans Breakfast Show on Virgin Radio UK.
Revealing how much Eric's ALS symptoms had progressed, he explained: "I was corresponding with him, we were texting, so I spoke to him about a week ago, and some friends of ours went in to see him, and he was really starting to lose his ability to speak.
"He was bedridden, and it was very hard for him to swallow, so the quality of his life was deteriorating so rapidly."
Reflecting on the fun he and Eric shared on the set of Grey's Anatomy, Patrick shared: "He was the funniest man. He's such a joy to work with, and I want to just remember him in that spirit. 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.
© Getty Images"We hit it off because it was never really any competition," he continued. "There was just this wonderful mutual respect.
"He's wickedly intelligent, and I'm always going to remember those moments of fun that we had together and celebrate the joy that he did bring to people's lives, and the real loss is for us who don't have them anymore.
"He did an incredible job at bringing awareness to this horrible disease and those remaining days, and it just reminds us that we all have to celebrate every day like it's our last day."
© Getty ImagesPatrick added: "It's something that we have to remember and certainly in a world where there is just so much crisis, and there is so much tragedy that we really need to be grateful for every moment that we have.
"Spend time with our families, do things that are better, that benefit other people, to be of service, to be kind, to be loving... these values."
© FilmMagicEric died less than a year after he announced his amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) diagnosis.
Confirming his death, his reps told HELLO! in a statement: "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, and his two beautiful daughters, Billie and Georgia, who were the center of his world."
© Getty Images"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," the statement continued.
"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."
