Eric Dane’s friends had a specific reason for setting up a GoFundMe campaign to support the late actor’s family following his death at 53.

“My friend of almost two decades just left us after a brutal battle with ALS,” Danes’ pal Mike McGuiness wrote via Instagram on Friday, February 20. “I’m the positive spin guy and can come up with something hopeful in most any situation. This one broke me.”

Us Weekly confirmed on Thursday, February 19, that Dane died at age 53 after a battle with ALS.

“With heavy hearts, we share that Eric Dane passed on Thursday afternoon following a courageous battle with ALS,” a statement from Dane’s family read. “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.”

Dane is survived by his two daughters, whom he shared with Rebecca Gayheart.

“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,” the family’s statement continued. “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.”

In the hours after Dane’s tragic death, a GoFundMe page was created by “friends of the Dane family.”

“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 explained in his Instagram upload. “A GoFundMe is being made and I will post it on my story for anyone able to help.”

The fundraiser has raised more than $168,900, at the time of publication, including a $27,000 donation from Euphoria creator Sam Levinson. (Dane was best known for roles on Grey’s Anatomy, Euphoria, The Last Ship, Burlesque, Valentine’s Day and more.)

“It is with profound sadness that we share the loss of Eric Dane after a hard-fought battle with ALS, leaving behind his devoted wife, Rebecca, and his two teenage daughters, Billie and Georgia, who were the center of his world,” a GoFundMe description reads. “Following his diagnosis, Eric became a passionate spokesperson for the ALS community, using his voice and platform to advocate for fellow patients and to push for greater awareness. Even as his own health declined, he remained deeply committed to helping others facing the same devastating disease.”

The description further states that the campaign was created to “support [Dane’s] girls and their future needs.”

“Any contribution, no matter the size, will help provide stability during this incredibly difficult time and in the future for Eric’s wonderful daughters,” the statement concluded. “Thank you.”

Dane had been a proud father of his two teenage daughters, whom he called his “everything” in his final interview before his death.

“Billie and Georgia, these words are for you. I tried,” Dane said in a Famous Last Words interview, which aired on Netflix hours after his death. “I stumbled sometimes, but I tried. Overall, we had a blast, didn’t we? I remember all the times we spent at the beach, the two of you, me and Mom in Malibu, Santa Monica, Hawaii, Mexico. I see you now playing in the ocean for hours, my water babies. Those days, pun intended, were heaven.”